Mr. Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Movement for Change, has voiced serious concerns about the current state of Ghana’s political system.
In his remarks, KOD criticized the dominance of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), blaming their duopoly for the country’s socio-economic struggles. He further accused the media of playing a significant role in perpetuating this political imbalance, which he believes is stifling Ghana’s progress.
“For the past 32 years, Ghana’s political space has been hijacked by two parties. Whatever has happened to this country—whether good or bad—is the cumulative effect of what these two parties have done.”
Mr. Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), Vice-Presidential candidate of the Movement for Change
KOD emphasized the paradox of Ghana’s situation, where a country rich in natural and human resources continues to struggle with poverty.
“At the last count, this was the 17th time we’ve had to go begging at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to survive.
“We cannot be the number one producer of gold in Africa and still be poor. This paradox is inexcusable.”
Mr. Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), Vice-Presidential candidate of the Movement for Change
KOD, who has a background in journalism, expressed a deep sense of frustration and sadness over what he perceives as a broken system. According to him, Ghana’s persistent challenges stem not from a lack of resources but from a flawed political structure that fails to utilize the country’s brightest minds.
“Our problem isn’t what we have; it’s the system some of us have intentionally created. Any system that doesn’t make use of its finest talents and minds cannot be called a sustainable system.
“For the last 32 years, we have been practicing a system that only benefits a few whiles impoverishing the majority.”
Mr. Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), Vice-Presidential candidate of the Movement for Change
KOD’s critique reflected a growing sentiment among many Ghanaians who feel that the political and economic system has left many citizens behind, while those in power enjoy disproportionate benefits. His words struck a chord with listeners who have long observed the widening gap between the political elite and the masses.
Media’s Role in Perpetuating Political Duopoly
A significant portion of KOD’s criticism was directed toward the media, which he accused of perpetuating an “eight-year cycle of state capture” between the NPP and NDC.
“The media has unintentionally—or maybe even intentionally—set the stage for this political duopoly to continue, possibly in perpetuity. Just listen to the discussions on our radio and television stations and you’ll understand what I’m talking about.
“They’ve shut the door on the idea of an independent president or any alternative third force, even though our constitution clearly makes room for it.”
Mr. Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), Vice-Presidential candidate of the Movement for Change
KOD underscored how media houses, through their framing of political debates and discussions, have fostered a culture in which leadership is almost exclusively viewed through the lens of the two dominant parties. He argued that this narrow perspective limits the potential for new ideas and leaders to emerge.
“It seems that no matter how intelligent, competent, visionary, or credible a person is, they can never lead this country unless they contest on the ticket of either of the two main political parties.
“How can that be a sustainable system? No wonder we are where we are.”
Mr. Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), Vice-Presidential candidate of the Movement for Change
KOD also highlighted a troubling consequence of this entrenched political system: the exclusion of many of Ghana’s brightest talents from the political arena.
This exclusion, according to KOD, is a major reason why the country has failed to achieve its full potential. The current system, he suggested, sidelines individuals who could offer fresh perspectives and solutions to the nation’s problems, instead prioritizing those aligned with the established political parties.
KOD did not mince words when addressing the negative effects of Ghana’s winner-takes-all political system. He described how the alternating power between the NPP and NDC has created a form of state capture, where the political parties benefit at the expense of the broader population.
“We cannot continue like this. The media must take its role as the fourth estate seriously and stop enabling the status quo.
“If we don’t break this cycle, Ghana will never rise to its full potential.”
Mr. Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), Vice-Presidential candidate of the Movement for Change
KOD’s message serves as a wake-up call for both the media and political institutions to reflect on their roles in shaping the future of the country. As he poignantly noted, “The time to change it is now.”
READ ALSO: Banky W, Adesua Etomi Expecting Second Child
