Renowned political scientist and lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Van Gyampo, has expressed deep concerns over the current state of Ghana’s multiparty democracy, arguing that the country has deviated from the true essence of this system.
In a thought-provoking critique, the Political Science lecturer questioned whether Ghana’s political landscape can genuinely be classified as a multiparty democracy and warned against the squandering of scarce national resources on electoral processes that seem futile given the economic challenges facing the country.
Professor Gyampo began his critique by offering a clear definition of multiparty democracy, which he explained should exist where multiple political parties of relatively equal strength vie for electoral victory.
This, he noted, ensures that no single party can easily secure a majority without support from others.
“Using the above definitional taxonomy, is Ghana truly a multiparty democracy? We have lowered standards in governance and so everyone thinks he or she can be part of the process. But governance as Plato noted, is too serious a business to be left in the hands of just anybody”.
Professor Ransford Van Gyampo, a Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana
He contended that while Ghana has a long-standing tradition of elections dominated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the competitive landscape is often skewed in a way that minimizes the influence of other parties.
This he noted raises concerns about whether Ghana’s current political structure aligns with the ideals of a vibrant multiparty system.
Plato’s Insights on Governance
To deepen his analysis, Professor Gyampo drew on the philosophy of Plato, highlighting a timeless argument about the nature of governance.
“According to Plato, Absolute truth exists, even in a world of relativities; Absolute truth can be discovered; Not everyone can find this truth; Only a few, the Philosopher Kings, can discover it; and thus, governance must be entrusted solely to those capable of finding absolute truth, i.e., the Philosopher Kings”.
Professor Ransford Van Gyampo, a Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana
Applying Plato’s logic, Professor Gyampo lamented the dilution of standards in governance, reiterating that “everyone thinks he or she can be part of the process.”
He warned that when governance is placed in the hands of those incapable of grasping the truth or understanding the complexity of leadership, the country’s democratic institutions and the quality of decision-making suffer.
The Economic Cost of Electoral Processes
Professor Gyampo went further to criticize the upcoming electoral processes ahead of the 2024 general elections, particularly the decision to print ballot books instead of ballot papers.
He described this move as an unnecessary waste of resources, especially given Ghana’s severe economic crisis.
He argued that the country should not be spending huge sums of money on such processes at a time when citizens are grappling with economic misery.
However, he acknowledged a silver lining: by printing ballot books rather than papers, the potential for ballot stuffing, a tactic often used by “unscrupulous political thieves,” could be minimized.
According to Profesor Gyampo, “It is going to be more difficult to fold books than folding papers and smuggling them into ballot boxes.”
Call for Restraint and Prudence
In a tone both reflective and cautionary, Professor Gyampo issued a direct appeal to candidates contesting in the upcoming elections, urging those who may not have a realistic path to victory to consider the economic plight of the nation and exercise restraint by pulling out of the race.
“It is not too late to pull out,” he advised, adding that “the outcome of the 2024 General Elections has been long foretold in the hearts of the Ghanaian people.”
This statement suggests a strong belief that the electoral battle is already leaning in favor of one political force, potentially rendering the participation of less viable candidates an exercise in futility that comes at a high cost to the nation.
Ultimately, Professor Gyampo’s critique is not just a commentary on the mechanics of elections but also a call for a deeper philosophical reflection on the quality of leadership in Ghana.
He advocated for a leadership class made up of individuals who embody Plato’s notion of the Philosopher King—those few who possess the wisdom and insight necessary to govern justly and effectively.
His critique underscores the need for Ghana’s political actors to rise above the mere mechanics of electoral competition and think critically about the future of governance.
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