Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi, Dean of the UPSA Law School, has argued that elections are ultimately decided by neutral voters, not by staunch party loyalists.
However, he highlighted a contradiction in Ghana’s political landscape, noting that once in power, political parties often prioritize loyalists as the primary recipients of governance benefits, rather than focusing on the broader electorate that helped secure their victory.
This, Prof. Abotsi suggested, creates a disconnect between the ideals of inclusive governance and the practice of rewarding political allegiance.
“For the average voter, elections have merely become a period of choosing the next batch of party beneficiaries-a real danger to our democracy
“In the era of freeby politics, is there a justification for subsidizing the rich as we seek to help the poor? Who will pay for the facility decay on social services?”
Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi
He further cautioned that the intense competition in offering “promises of freebies” during election periods, without a focus on sustainable policies, could have long-term negative consequences for Ghana’s political landscape.
Prof. Abotsi emphasized that if party loyalty, tribalism, and clan affiliations continue to dominate voter decision-making in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, then citizens should not be surprised by poor governance over the next four years.
He stressed the importance of making informed and issue-based choices, rather than allowing short-term incentives to shape the electoral process.
The astute lawyer emphasized that the relationship between voters and politicians should be based solely on policy choices, not on pre-defined identities or affiliations that have no direct bearing on development.
He argued that voters should focus on evaluating the actual policies and plans put forward by candidates, rather than being influenced by factors such as ethnicity, party loyalty, or other identity-based considerations.
According to Prof. Abotsi, this shift towards a more policy-driven electoral process is essential for promoting sustainable development and good governance in the country.
Prof. Abotsi Warns of Financial Influence and Corruption Post-Elections
Furthermore, Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi noted that the campaign season has arrived once again, with financier-state capturers making significant investments in political candidates.
He expressed concern that, while Ghanaians watch on, the real consequences of these investments will soon unfold.
Prof. Abotsi warned that after the elections are over, these financiers will seek to reap the rewards of their investments.
He cautioned that, before long, the country will once again be left lamenting the deep-rooted issue of “bloody corruption,” as the cycle of political influence and financial gain continues to undermine true governance and development.
“Good Governance?? It’s a vicious cycle! How do promises being doled out by aspirants square with austerity spending agreed with the IMF come 2025? Significant illiterate voters versus economic realities produce jarring politics and policy”.
Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi
Abotsi also stressed that debt-driven development has turned into a race to the bottom between the two major political parties, the NDC and NPP.
He pointed out that it has become a convenient strategy for politicians, as they can borrow billions of dollars and then claim to have built extensive infrastructure.
This approach, he argued, overlooks the long-term consequences of excessive borrowing, which may create a façade of development without addressing the underlying economic challenges.
According to Abotsi, this cycle of borrowing for short-term gains is not sustainable and ultimately harms the nation’s financial stability.
He highlighted that voters often reward politicians with their votes, believing they are supporting progress and development.
However, he cautioned that what voters fail to realize is that they, as taxpayers, will ultimately bear the burden of repaying these enormous debts in the future.
Abotsi stressed that while politicians may appear to deliver immediate results through infrastructure and other projects funded by borrowing, the long-term financial strain will fall on the citizens. “It’s lazy governance and needs to change”.
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