Political Scientist and Head, of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah Asante has called for Free and Fair Elections ahead of the upcoming 2024 general elections. He provided a thought-provoking analysis of key issues facing the country.
Dr. Asah Asante began by making an opening remarks lamenting the state of Ghanaian football, particularly the Black Stars.
He drew comparisons between past generations of players and the current team, noting that despite the vast improvement in player exposure and experience, there seems to be a lack of progress on the pitch.
He recalled a time when Ghanaian players had fewer resources but managed to bring glory to the nation.
“We had very, not [those] sophisticated players and all that. But they managed and played well and gave us all that we needed in terms of glory.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and Head of Center for European Studies University of Ghana
Despite the increased exposure of players to European football today, Dr. Asante questioned the quality of planning and management behind the Black Stars’ efforts.
He attributed the problem not to a lack of talent or expertise
He emphasized; “all the quality of players” and with access to “the best coaches,” “organization decides everything.”
Dr. Asante argued that the key to regaining football prominence is rooted in building a solid foundation at the grassroots level.
“We need to put our act together and begin to what? Build a solid football team right from home. And then you develop it to the national level, then it goes [to the] continental level.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and Head of Center for European Studies University of Ghana
Grassroots Talent Development
Dr. Asah Asante highlighted the need for a better system of talent discovery and development, citing examples from football legends like Samuel Eto’o and Abedi Pele.
He recalled how these players were nurtured by local football academies and leagues, suggesting that Ghana should follow a similar model.
This structured development from local to international levels, he argued is key to producing world-class players.
“Even in university, we had academicals. People who were still in school and they were, you know, very good [at] playing. What has happened?”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and Head of European Studies University of Ghana
Dr. Asah Asante advocated for a return to this methodical development approach, urging the nation to invest in local talent and provide them with the resources necessary to succeed on the global stage.
Democracy and Electoral Integrity
Moreover, Dr. Asah Asante also touched on Ghana’s democracy, urging for a level electoral playing field where all actors can compete fairly.
He warned against undermining the hard-earned democratic gains the country has achieved over the years, particularly given the negative examples of democratic backsliding in neighboring countries.
“Ghana has struggled to build a democracy to this level, and this is not a time to do anything to undermine the fortunes of what we toiled for over the years there are very negative examples relatively to democracy in the subreginon that I don’t want want my country to be part of this, so what it means is that, is not prayer, it is not any other thing but work and action, that we see a problem, [and] we deal with the problem headon.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and Head of Center for European Studies University of Ghana
Dr. Asah Asante emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair and transparent electoral environment, where the results are respected, and the rules are followed.
“We don’t want anything short of an environment, electoral environment that will, you know, create that opportunity for people to contest and contest well.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and Head of Center for European Studies University of Ghana
Economic Management and Electoral Cycles
Transitioning to Ghana’s economic challenges, Dr. Asah Asante discusses the cyclical impact of elections on the nation’s economic health.
He highlighted the often-destructive nature of pre-election spending, where political parties overspend in their bid to win power, only to be left with depleted resources when they take office.
“But more often than not, the economist would tell you that anytime we are going for election, we are likely to destroy the very economy that we built simply because we want to win power.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and Head of Center for European Studies University of Ghana
This short-term thinking, he suggested hampers the long-term development of the country and its economy.
He called for fiscal discipline, particularly during election periods, so that governments can avoid the repeated cycle of borrowing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for economic support.
“Once we are physically disciplined and we’re able to work within our means and work within our budget, I expect that all things being equal, we should be able to withstand whatever shocks that confront us.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and Head of Center for European Studies University of Ghana
Legal and Political Institutions
Finally, Dr. Asah Asante commented on the role of legal institutions in resolving political disputes, particularly referencing the current case involving the office of the Speaker of Parliament and the Supreme Court.
While he refrained from making any conclusive judgments, he urged patience and respect for the judicial process, stating “Let’s wait for the court to do justice to the matter.”
In his reflection, Dr. Kwame Asah Asante offered critical insights into both Ghana’s football challenges and its democratic journey.
Whether discussing the need for better grassroots organization in football or calling for electoral integrity and economic discipline, his comments reflect a deep commitment to national progress.
As Ghana continues to navigate these crucial sectors, his words serve as a timely reminder that with the right organization and leadership, the country can continue to thrive both on and off the pitch.
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