In the ever-volatile landscape of Ghanaian politics, one thing remains constant—incumbency is no guarantee of power retention.
This sobering truth was unpacked by legal scholar and respected democracy advocate, Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare, who offered a piercing diagnosis of why ruling parties often find themselves ousted at the polls.
His analysis is not only timely but also deeply reflective of the political currents that continue to define Ghana’s democratic journey.
Prof. Asare, a Democracy and Development Fellow at CDD-Ghana, is not known for mincing words, and in his latest critique, he laid bare the internal decay that often brings down governing parties.
The starting point of this decline, he argued, is the outright abandonment of campaign promises, a move that breaks the trust between the government and the electorate.
This breach of faith is not merely a broken promise; it becomes a symbol of betrayal that alienates the masses who once placed their hope in change.
However, the rot, according to Prof. Asare, doesn’t stop there.
As incumbents settle into office, a new phenomenon often emerges: sudden and unexplained wealth accumulation by political elites.
“Leading members suddenly become inexplicably wealthy, fueling public resentment and perceptions of corruption.”
Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare
This conspicuous consumption, displayed in mansions, convoys, and luxury lifestyles, does more than offend the struggling majority—it breeds anger, suspicion, and revolt.
Power Slips From Incumbency
Prof. Asare observed that governments often fall into the trap of power abuse, weaponizing the state’s legal and security institutions for personal interest, which causes them to lose their incumbency.
“They weaponize the legal and security apparatus, targeting opponents instead of delivering justice.”
Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare
This politicization of institutions weakens the very democratic foundations that sustain governance. It sends a clear message to the citizenry: democracy is being used as a cover for autocracy.
“They appoint square pegs into round holes, sidelining competence for loyalty and weakening governance outcomes.”
Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare
The result? Dysfunctional public services, inefficient policies, and a governance machinery that creaks under the weight of mediocrity.
Prof. Asare identified another critical weakness of incumbency: the tendency to surround the President with an echo chamber.
This isolation, he warned, often leads to electoral defeat, as it creates the image of a government detached from the concerns and voices of the people.
This insular environment silences dissent, stifles innovation, and blinds leadership to the real sentiments of the populace “…, shielding him from dissent and honest feedback.”
And then, there’s the flaunting of opulence in a society riddled with economic hardship. “They openly flaunt their ill-gotten wealth, turning leadership into a parade of opulence while citizens struggle.”
Such displays deepen the divide between the rulers and the ruled, creating a toxic perception of a government detached from the daily struggles of its people.
Even criticism, which should serve as a compass for course correction, is turned into a weapon. “They vilify critics and silence voices of reason, mistaking truth-telling for disloyalty & falsehood-peddling for loyalty.”
This anti-intellectual posture not only kills ideas but also destroys democratic discourse and alienates voters who desire accountability.
Perhaps most damning is the way incumbents abandon their base once in office. “They forget the grassroots, neglecting the party base and the everyday concerns of ordinary citizens.”
This disconnect transforms the party from a movement of the people into a closed club of elites, disconnected from reality.
All of these culminate in a dangerous delusion: that holding office today guarantees political survival tomorrow.
Prof. Asare warned, “They confuse incumbency with invincibility, underestimating voter anger and overestimating their popularity.”
In doing so, they fail to read the national mood, ignore warning signs, and ultimately face the wrath of the ballot box.
Ghanaian political history is replete with examples that reinforce these truths. Voters, though often patient, are not fools.
They know when power has gone to a leader’s head. They recognize when the state is no longer working for them. And when the time comes, they act—swiftly, decisively, and often without warning.
As Ghana looks forward to another critical election cycle, the observations of Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare serve as a powerful reminder.
Democracy is not merely about winning power—it’s about governing with humility, listening to the people, and staying true to the promises that got you elected in the first place.
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