Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, has criticized the policy proposal of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to fight against corruption .

Dr. Asante began by highlighting the need for political parties to open up on how they plan to finance their promises. Dr. Asante emphasized that while these proposals sound brilliant, the parties must now explain how they will fund and execute their policies

Dr. Asante’s primary concern is that political parties are not adequately explaining how they will finance their manifesto promises. He pointed out that both the NPP and NDC have outlined ambitious goals, but have yet to provide detailed plans on how these will be funded.

“They have all promised three things, but where are you going to finance that, which part of the city are you going to derive that money from? at whose expense? and all that.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana

Dr. Asante challenged political parties to be more transparent about their financing strategies, especially at a time when the country is facing significant financial constraints.

“…that will now open the frontiers of your ideas for further interrogation, discussion, and analysis.”
Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana

Affordable Housing and Public Resources

Another point of concern raised by Dr. Asante is the lack of discussion around the resources already spent on various public projects, such as affordable housing. He asserted; “We want to see and ensure value for money because this imports a lot of money for the city.”

Dr. Asante criticized the political parties for not addressing the issue of public resources already invested in housing and other public infrastructure. Dr. Asante argued that public policies should be driven by state resources, and these resources cannot be ignored.

“Public policies are driven by state resources, and so we can’t let it go. We want to ensure value for money.’’
Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana

Addressing Corruption: An Empty Talk?

Dr. Asante also expressed skepticism about the promises made by political parties to fight corruption. Dr. Asante particularly criticized the NPP for its handling of corruption issues, stating that despite promises made by the current administration, corruption remains at an all-time high.

“For me, it’s an empty talk because charity begins at home. Today, despite all the promises by the president, [the fight against] corruption is at the lowest ever.”
Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana

Dr. Asante pointed out that reports from Transparency International have highlighted the government’s failure in combating corruption, which has tainted its reputation. According to Dr. Asante, “Transparency International’s report is clear or not. And you realize that the government has failed. Asante also emphasized that corruption is a key factor influencing voter choices in Ghana and should not be overlooked.

“Remember, corruption is also a factor that influences voter choices in this country. So, you can’t ignore it.”
Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana

Dr. Asante addressed the ongoing issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and its devastating impact on local communities. Dr. Asante cited the example of Capos, where surrounding communities are facing a severe water crisis due to the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities. Dr. Asante questioned the government’s response to this crisis, asking, “What has the government done? And you want to wait [till] when to address this?”

Dr. Asante criticized the government’s inaction on the galamsey issue, calling it a “laughable statement” to wait until after the election to address the problem. “If you don’t fix the problem that relates to galamsey, and people died, who are you going to govern when you get [into] power?” Dr. Asante urged current government leaders to take immediate action on pressing issues instead of waiting until after the election.

Dr. Asante argued that those in power have the opportunity to turn things around now, rather than promising future solutions. “Especially those party leaders in government. You have the opportunity to turn things around now. Don’t wait till another time.” Dr. Asante also called on opposition parties to provide concrete solutions and avoid repeating past mistakes. Dr. Asante challenged the NDC to explain how their approach to corruption and other issues will differ from their previous time in office.

“Those in opposition who want to come, tell us more important things as to how it works because when you were in office also, NDC, there were also issues of corruption.”
Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana

Despite his criticisms, Dr. Asante remains optimistic that political parties can fulfill their promises if they provide clear and actionable plans. Dr. Asante believes that the key to success lies in transparency, accountability, and a commitment to addressing the country’s pressing issues. He noted; “For me, I am optimistic. I know that they have made all promises.”

Dr. Asah Asante’s remarks serve as a reminder that political promises must be accompanied by detailed plans for execution. Dr. Asante called on both the ruling party and the opposition to move beyond rhetoric and focus on providing real solutions to Ghana’s challenges. “Let’s interrogate the issues,” he concluded, urging Ghanaians to critically engage with the policy proposals of all political parties.