Contrary to the convention of the Ghanaian body politic, both frontrunners of Election 2024 come from the North.
However, the heat is already at a historic degree a year ahead of the election as both men seek to return to Jubilee House after spending eight years there each.
During a courtesy call by Dr. Bawumia, as part of his post-election thank-you tour, Ya-Na emphasized the fraternal relationship between the two political leaders.
Thus, Ya-Na Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, urged Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) respectively, to view each other as brothers rather than adversaries.
“John Mahama is your big brother and not your enemy. See him as an elder brother as you go about your campaign. We just have to be grateful to all Ghanaians for trusting that only a Northerner can lead Ghana after 2024. It is a big opportunity for us to demonstrate our maturity, competence, honesty, and dedication to move Ghana forward.”
Ya-Na
In response, Dr. Bawumia assured Ya-Na that his campaign would maintain a positive and respectful tone, emphasizing the familial connection between him and John Mahama.
“Ya-Na, I wish to assure you that my team and I will conduct a clean campaign as you have indicated because myself and John Mahama are all your sons. What I will be doing is that I will bring to bear my ideas that I know will complement the development we are currently seeing. My brother lacks ideas and so tends to criticize my ideas, but I know Ghanaians are discerning and will vote for the NPP that I lead.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr. Bawumia, who was elected as the NPP flagbearer on November 4, embarked on a thank-you tour starting with his home region No. His tour included addressing large crowds in Tamale and visits to Yendi, Bimbilla, and Saboba in the Northern region. The Vice President is expected to continue his tour with a courtesy call on the king of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bi-Kunuto Soale Jewu, at the Jakpa palace in Damongo, along with holding a rally.
The tour reflects an effort to connect with the people and express gratitude while fostering unity and positive engagement in the political landscape.
The Role Of Gatekeepers Needed More Than Ever
The message from Ya-Na Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, resonates as a powerful admonition and a chilling reminder for political watchers and citizens who have been advocating for political sanity in Ghana.
Drawing parallels to the pivotal role played by the Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II, in ensuring peaceful conduct during most General Elections, Ya-Na’s message emphasizes the significance of traditional leaders as gatekeepers in the country’s political landscape.
The message reverbs the spirits of the constitutional provisions against chiefs engaging in active party politics, as stipulated in article 276 (1).
The Asantehene’ s role in 2016 showcased the positive impact of traditional leaders acting as peace ambassadors, transcending political affiliations to promote calm and unity. Similarly, religious leaders and ethnic gatekeepers have played vital roles in diffusing tensions during elections, emphasizing messages of tolerance and non-violence.
Despite their positive influence, the involvement of gatekeepers is not without challenges. Critics argue that excessive reliance on these figures may compromise the democratic principles of free and fair elections. There’s a concern that voters might feel compelled to align with the choices of traditional, religious, or ethnic leaders rather than making independent decisions based on policy considerations.
Historically, traditional leaders, especially in the Ashanti Region and Volta Region, have served as influential gatekeepers, endorsing candidates and significantly impacting voter choices. Beyond traditional leaders, religious figures and influential community members also act as gatekeepers, using their moral authority to guide political decisions.
In the 2012 elections, prominent religious leaders publicly endorsed specific candidates, influencing the voting patterns of their followers.
Ethnic gatekeepers have played a role in fostering peaceful elections, particularly in regions with historical tensions. Leaders from diverse ethnic communities, such as in the Northern Region, have encouraged peaceful coexistence during electoral periods. However, finding a balance between respecting traditional values and upholding democratic principles remains a delicate challenge.
These historical examples of gatekeepers, underscore their potential positive impact in diffusing tensions and promoting peaceful electoral environments in Ghana, now than ever, as the country heads for an already heated election.
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