The Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Tanko Rashid Computer has discussed the ongoing U.S. election cycle, noting that the potential return of Donald Trump signals a shift in American sentiments that he believes mirrors the political climate in Ghana.
The concept of Sankofa—an Akan word meaning “return and retrieve”—frames his argument.
“Sankofa, in our palace, we call it Sankofa, and they’ve gone back to pick a former president whom they think has the magic wand as of now, to alleviate the poverty and the huge difficulties the American people are going through.”
Dr. Tanko Rashid Computer Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
The Economy as a Deciding Factor
According to Dr. Tanko, the economic downturn in the U.S. has driven the electorate to reconsider Trump’s leadership, a sentiment he finds comparable to Ghana’s current financial situation.
He stressed the weight of economic issues on voter sentiment, explaining that the upcoming Ghanaian election will likely be influenced by the daily pressing financial struggles citizens face.
“The election was won based on the economy. In fact, Donald Trump was clear in his mind. The economic downturn in America was too much, it’s just like what we are going through in Ghana. Nobody needs to tell you that our economic condition is worse, Completely worse.”
Dr. Tanko Rashid Computer Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Dr. Tanko emphasized that, given the comparable economic hardships in Ghana, voters may be similarly compelled to bring back a former leader who demonstrated experience in navigating such issues, particularly in stabilizing the economy.
Critique of the Vice President’s Economic Record
Dr. Tanko expressed doubt regarding the ability of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to address Ghana’s economic challenges, drawing a comparison to Kamala Harris’s position in the U.S.
He argued that Ghanaians are facing unprecedented inflation and currency devaluation, referencing the dollar-to-cedi exchange rate as a clear indicator of economic distress.
“As we speak now, a dollar is to 17.2 Ghana cedis. Where are we going? This is the vice president who told us that he arrested the dollar and gave it to the IGP. He’s now running as a driver mate. America rejected a driver mate. Do you think Ghanaians will maintain a driver mate?”
Dr. Tanko Rashid Computer Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Dr. Tanko’s use of the term “driver mate” aimed to convey that the vice president’s role in the economic crisis leaves him unqualified to steer the nation, in the same way, that Americans may be moving away from what they perceive as inadequate leadership in the U.S.
The Case for John Dramani Mahama
Dr. Tanko underscored the NDC’s stance that former President John Mahama is uniquely positioned to address the economic situation in Ghana.
He cited John Mahama’s track record, particularly in stabilizing the cedi, as evidence of his capability to reverse Ghana’s financial struggles.
“We have told Ghanaians that look, if you want us to be respected on the field of international diplomacy, you need to vote for His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. That is why the Americans have gone back to Trump.”
Dr. Tanko Rashid Computer Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Dr. Tanko argued that Ghanaians should follow the American example of “bringing back” a leader who can effectively address the nation’s needs. He suggested that a renewed term for Mahama would signify a fresh start and a reversal of the policies that have deepened Ghana’s economic woes.
Avoiding “An Elongation of a Death Trap”
Dr. Tanko issued a stern warning against re-electing the current administration, would deepen economic suffering. He drew a parallel between American voters potentially rejecting Vice President Harris and Ghanaian voters’ potential rejection of Dr. Bawumia, citing the current government’s role in creating the economic challenges citizens face.
“We cannot afford another four years of this terrible administration. That would be an elongation of our death trap. And we are not ready for that.”
Dr. Tanko Rashid Computer Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
This critique reflected the NDC’s position that only a change in leadership will prevent further deterioration of Ghana’s economic conditions and mitigate the hardship faced by ordinary Ghanaians.
The Wisdom of Following America’s Lead
Dr. Tanko referenced a social media post by Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent figure in the NPP, who suggested that Kamala Harris’s campaign in the U.S. was aimed at presenting a distinct vision within an existing administration.
Dr. Tanko used this statement to argue that even in the U.S., there is acknowledgment that fresh leadership is required to resolve entrenched issues.
He contended that this logic should apply in Ghana, where a return to John Mahama would mark a break from the economic mismanagement of recent years.
Dr. Tanko explained that the Americans’ decision to embrace a shift in leadership reflects the understanding that new perspectives are essential to address existing problems effectively.
A Call to Action for Ghanaians
Drawing parallels between American and Ghanaian politics, Dr. Tanko urged Ghanaians to recognize their power to demand change and choose leaders capable of implementing effective economic solutions.
He believes the NDC, led by John Mahama, offers an experienced and resolute alternative to the incumbent government’s track record.
In his final remarks, Dr. Tanko emphasized the importance of learning from the American example, encouraging Ghanaians to restore Mahama to the presidency as a step toward revitalizing the nation.
“American[s] have done it. Why can’t we do it in Ghana? Let’s bring him back…We are just telling them, [our opponent] was mirroring what Kamala Harris was doing in America, and we saw what happened there.”
Dr. Tanko Rashid Computer Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Dr. Tanko’s statements provide insight into the NDC’s vision for Ghana’s future, suggesting that the restoration of former leadership is a viable and necessary response to the nation’s current struggles.
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