Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi, Dean of the UPSA Law School, has stated that the president who assumes office in 2025 after the elections must understand the significance of their mandate, which is conferred by the state, not merely by their political party.
This, he believes, should guide their leadership approach, ensuring that the focus remains on serving the nation rather than preparing for the next electoral contest.
He observed that elections in Ghana never truly end.
According to Prof. Abotsi, as soon as a president is inaugurated, campaigns for the next election begin, which he argues prevents real governance from taking place.
“Excessive transparency cannot be bad in any election! If elections are won at the polling station as declared by the SC then it makes all the sense to increase and NOT decrease transparency levels at the Polling Stations! Limiting coverage of the process is unprecedented and problematic”.
Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi
Prof. Abotsi further emphasized that the December election will be historic, regardless of which of the two frontrunners wins. However, he pointed out that both candidates must be wary of the potential risks involved.
According to him, the outcome of this election could have far-reaching consequences, and both must navigate the challenges carefully, as the stakes are higher than ever.
He pointed out that the possibility of a losing candidate never being given the party nomination again adds a layer of uncertainty and makes this election particularly delicate and significant in Ghana’s political landscape.
Prof. Abotsi explained that this raises the stakes of the election to an unprecedented level, making it more delicate than any previous election in Ghana’s history.
The risks associated with the potential loss of a party’s nomination for the losing candidate add a sense of urgency and tension to the race.
He asserted that the outcomes of this election could reshape the future of Ghanaian politics, highlighting the fragility of political ambitions and the high stakes involved for both frontrunners.
Incoming Gov’t Urged to Address Debt Burden for Sustainability
Meanwhile, the President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Dr. Humphrey Ayim Darke, also emphasized that the sustainability of the country’s economy will depend largely on how the incoming government addresses the escalating debt burden.
Dr. Darke highlighted the urgent need for effective debt management as Ghana heads into the December 7 elections.
“We are deeply concerned about the debt situation. It’s not just about paying off what we owe; it’s about managing it in a way that doesn’t threaten our macroeconomic stability. Debt mishandling can destabilize everything, from our industries to the livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians.
“It’s not just about putting out fires. We need a forward-thinking approach. How are we going to manage our debt obligations in a way that doesn’t cripple the economy or scare off investors?”
Dr. Humphrey Ayim Darke
Dr. Darke called for a comprehensive and actionable roadmap from the next government to not only resolve current debts but also to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
The AGI president also emphasized the need for debt management strategies to be aligned with broader macroeconomic goals, including exchange rate stabilization and tax reforms.
Dr. Darke explained that debt and exchange rates are closely linked, with a poorly managed debt situation negatively impacting the exchange rate. This, in turn, affects the competitiveness of Ghana’s industries.
Accordingly, he emphasized that the next government must adopt a comprehensive approach to address these interconnected challenges.
Dr. Darke called for innovation and a more sustainable approach from whichever candidate wins the December 7th elections in managing Ghana’s fiscal challenges.
He emphasized that this is not the time for business as usual, where political leaders maintain the status quo, but rather a critical moment for bold and transformative actions to ensure long-term economic stability. “The stakes are high, and the incoming government must demonstrate that they can manage our resources wisely and sustainably.”
