In a passionate and unprecedented open letter to the citizens of Ghana, a collective of 250 lecturers from the University of Ghana has boldly stepped beyond the traditionally neutral boundaries of academia to advocate for change in the upcoming December 7th elections.

Declaring their endorsement for former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the lecturers presented a searing critique of Ghana’s current trajectory, coupled with an impassioned plea for national restoration.

“For too long, we have borne witness to the systematic erosion of our cherished institutions, the dimming of hope in the eyes of our youth, and the unravelling of the social fabric that once held our nation together.

“Our Ghana, once a beacon of progress and prosperity, now reels from the devastating blows of economic mismanagement, systemic corruption, and the deliberate dismantling of the very foundations upon which we built our dreams”.
University of Ghana Lecturers for NDC

The open letter listed the symbols of Ghana’s decline: a weakened cedi, the destruction of vital water bodies, collapsing indigenous financial institutions, and a healthcare and educational system on the brink of collapse.

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This litany of failures is compounded by what they described as a betrayal of pensioners, whose savings have been eroded, and the stifling of opportunities for Ghana’s youth, leaving them to navigate an increasingly uncertain future.

“The architects of this national tragedy now seek your mandate to continue their reign of destruction. But we, the custodians of knowledge and truth, cannot remain silent. Our academic integrity and our commitment to the betterment of our beloved Ghana compel us to speak out, to stand as the conscience of our society.”
University of Ghana Lecturers for NDC

The Case for Change

Positioning former President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC as the solution, the lecturers emphasized the former President’s track record and bold vision for Ghana’s renewal.

They highlighted the NDC’s proposed 24-hour economy and improvements to free senior high school education as indicative of the party’s commitment to sustainable development.

According to them, the upcoming election transcends partisan politics; it is a moral imperative to restore hope, rebuild institutions, and reclaim Ghana’s dignity.

“This election is not about partisan politics; it is about justice for the eight innocent souls whose lives were tragically cut short in 2020. It is about creating a Ghana where our nurses and teachers no longer need to seek greener pastures abroad, a Ghana where trust in our institutions is restored and the dignity of our citizenship is reclaimed.”
University of Ghana Lecturers for NDC

This emotional appeal underscored their call for an electoral process that prioritizes accountability and fairness.

UG lectures for JDM — Some leading figures of the University of Ghana Lecturers for NDC canvassing for votes for the NDC and former President Mahama

A Call to Action

With deliberate clarity, the lecturers urged citizens to exercise vigilance during the elections, encouraging them to document irregularities and uphold peace while being steadfast in their commitment to justice.

A pointed message was directed at Ghana’s security forces, reminding them of their allegiance to the Constitution rather than any political party or individual.

The lecturers defended their active involvement in political discourse by invoking the university’s historic role as the conscience of the nation.

They argue that silence in the face of systemic corruption and institutional decay would amount to complicity, referencing Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of the university as a bastion of truth and progress.

The letter preemptively countered any allegations of partisan affiliations, emphasizing that their endorsement stems not from political allegiance but from professional judgment and moral obligation.

“The ivory tower was never meant to be a fortress of isolation but a lighthouse guiding society through darkness. Our academic credentials are not mere decorations – they carry with them the responsibility to distinguish truth from falsehood, progress from regression, hope from despair.

“When we see a leader and a party whose vision aligns with the prosperous Ghana we envision, we can tell, and our conscience demands that we speak this truth plainly.”
University of Ghana Lecturers for NDC

As Ghana approaches the critical December 7th elections, this letter is likely to intensify the already charged political climate. It was not merely a plea for a change in leadership but a clarion call for a national awakening.

The lecturers concluded with a powerful exhortation: “The future of our nation hangs in the balance. As academics who have dedicated our lives to nurturing the next generation of leaders, we implore you: On December 7th, 2024, let your thumb speak for Ghana, we know you can do it. Vote John Mahama and the NDC to restore hope, rebuild trust, and reignite the Ghanaian dream”.

This bold statement, reflective of a deep-seated commitment to the country’s welfare, will undoubtedly resonate with many Ghanaians.

Whether it catalyzes the change the lecturers hope for remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Ghana’s intellectual community is no longer content to remain silent on the sidelines.