Renowned policy analyst, Bright Simons has expressed deep concerns over what he described as the decline of intellectual rigour in Ghana’s political discourse and called for urgent actions to address the situation.
The Honorary Vice President of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, in a sharp critique, lamented the erosion of traditions that once defined the country’s political culture, contrasting the present state of affairs with the past when political parties engaged in detailed research and analysis to bolster their positions.
In a scathing reflection, Bright Simons recalled how the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), after losing the 1992 elections, authored the seminal work “The Stolen Verdict”, adding that the book, which meticulously outlined the party’s grievances, became a cornerstone of its political narrative and heritage.
“Legendary speeches and books with grand names like ‘the Ghanaian Sphinx’ were the stuff of political legend. Today, so-called ‘communicators’ for political parties swamp Facebook and radio to openly dismiss careful analysis.
“People who have done no research and have read zero data mouth things like, ‘the game is on the ground’ as if their opponents are too dumb to also know such a trivial fact.”
Bright Simons, Renowned Policy Analyst and Honorary Vice President IMANI Centre Policy and Education
Acknowledging the competitive nature of Ghanaian politics, where two major parties lock horns in closely contested elections, Bright Simons questioned the logic behind dismissing analysis and research.
“Granted that the game is on the ‘ground,’ and two well-matched parties are locking horns. Isn’t that, even more, the reason why analysis, research, and gaining every edge by targeting every niche—whether on Facebook or chop bars—to elevate your play would matter?”
Bright Simons, Renowned Policy Analyst and Honorary Vice President IMANI Centre Policy and Education
His remarks accompanied an essay he authored analyzing the dynamics of Ghana’s recent political landscape, including an explanation of why it was unlikely for the Vice President to win the 2024 presidential election.
In his message to young people interested in politics, policy, or public affairs, the Honorary Vice President of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education emphasized the importance of critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.
He urged the youth to avoid “lazy opinions” that align with their biases and instead seek understanding through careful analysis. “Be critical. Seek understanding. Look for lucid analysis from all corners, and fashion your strategy from an informed position,” he advised.
Bright Simons concluded with a poignant reminder: “You don’t have to like the source of ideas or insights to benefit from them.” This call to openness and intellectual rigour comes at a time when Ghana’s political and policy debates are increasingly shaped by soundbites and partisan rhetoric, rather than substantive engagement.
His critique is a clarion call for Ghana’s political actors and citizens to revive the culture of robust research and analysis, ensuring that the country’s political discourse reflects the intellectual vibrancy of its past.
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