Professor Godfred Bokpin asserts that Ghana’s democracy is defined by a politics of promises, particularly evident as parties present their manifestos for the 2024 elections. He cautions that many proposals lack financial backing, urging the public to prepare for possible disappointments. He also critiques the Free SHS initiative for not improving educational quality despite increased enrollment numbers.
Professor Godfred Bokpin, a finance lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), has articulated that Ghana’s democratic landscape is predominantly characterized by a politics of promises, particularly as the country approaches the 2024 elections. With political parties revealing their manifestos, discussions have surged among the electorate, notably around key proposals such as former President John Dramani Mahama’s “24 Hour-economy” initiative. During an interview on Starr Morning with Naa Dedei Tettey, Professor Bokpin expressed his concern over the gap between these promises and the financial realities that the political parties face once in power. He underscored that, although political parties commit to ambitious policies, they are acutely aware of the limited fiscal space to realize these initiatives, leading to potential disappointments for the electorate. He warned the public to remain cautious and realistic about the feasibility of the proposals being presented, asserting, “Our democracy is one of a politics of promises. It is politics of promises. And Ghanaians should be very careful because disappointment lies ahead. We don’t have the fiscal space to implement a number of the proposals that the political parties have put out there. They cannot, and they know. In discussing education policy, Professor Bokpin highlighted that while the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative has led to increased enrollment, the qualitative aspects of education have not sufficiently improved. He remarked, “So when we even talk about Free SHS, we can’t come to terms to say that, look, quality-wise, we are not good. We may have checked the box in terms of quantity. But that alone is not sufficient.” Thus, while Ghana’s political atmosphere is vibrant with promises, the realities must be acknowledged in order to safeguard public expectations and ensure accountability from leaders.
The discourse surrounding Ghana’s democracy emphasizes the connection between political promises and electoral accountability. As the country prepares for its 2024 elections, political parties are actively publishing their manifestos, intending to draw voters’ attention to their proposed solutions for national challenges. Critical voices, like that of Professor Bokpin, are raising awareness about the implications of these promises, especially in light of constraints posed by the nation’s economic framework. The conversation is pivotal as it shapes public perception and engagement in the political process, influencing how citizens hold their politicians accountable.
In conclusion, Professor Godfred Bokpin’s observations highlight a critical aspect of Ghana’s political environment— the prevalence of promises over practical implementation capabilities. He emphasizes the need for Ghanaians to remain vigilant about the realities behind political pledges, especially regarding economic feasibility and educational outcomes. Ultimately, the challenge lies in bridging the gap between political rhetoric and real-world capabilities to fulfill the expectations set forth during electoral campaigns.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
