As a journalist and a citizen deeply invested in the future of Ghana, I have lost faith in the political system that has governed this country for decades.
It is a system that has entrenched stagnation and inequality rather than driving development and prosperity.
The sad reality is that we, as a nation, have been voting for the wrong leaders, swayed not by vision or competence but by the popularity of two dominant political parties.
Once heralded as vehicles for change, these parties have become obstacles to progress.
The pattern is depressingly familiar. Ghanaians go to the polls every four years with high hopes, believing things will be different this time.
Yet, time and again, we elect leaders who prioritise their interests over those of the people.
They promise development but deliver dysfunction. The result is a country where economic, infrastructural, and social challenges persist while the political elite thrives.
Statistics paint a grim picture. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, as of 2023, the country’s unemployment rate stood at 13.9%, with youth unemployment even higher at 19.7%.
These figures are not just numbers; they represent the dreams of millions of Ghanaians deferred as the political class continues to fail to create sustainable jobs and economic opportunities.
Infrastructure development must be handled better, a vital pillar of any nation’s progress.
The World Bank’s 2022 report on Ghana’s infrastructure noted that much of the country’s road network remains in poor condition despite significant investments. Corruption is a substantial contributor to this failure.
Contractors, who should be held to the highest standards, are often forced to cut corners due to the pervasive culture of kickbacks and bribes. In 2021 alone, Ghana lost an estimated $3 billion to corruption, according to the African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET).
These funds could have been used to expand and maintain the roadways, reducing traffic congestion and improving safety for all.
This culture of corruption extends beyond infrastructure.
The entire political system seems designed to benefit the few at the expense of the many.
It is not uncommon to see individuals with questionable backgrounds elevated to positions of power simply because of their political connections.
Being politically connected often guarantees impunity, whether a criminal, a thief, or even a known lawbreaker.
This has fostered a culture where the rule of law is undermined and justice is selectively applied.
A particularly egregious example is the widespread misuse of motorcades and sirens.
In Ghana, only specific officials are legally permitted to use these privileges, yet it is expected to see individuals flouting these rules, inconveniencing ordinary citizens and endangering lives.
This is a symptom of a broader issue: the blatant disregard for the rule of law by those who should be its staunchest defenders.
The economic situation is the same. According to the Bank of Ghana, Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio has ballooned to 76.6% as of the first quarter of 2024, placing immense pressure on the economy.
The government’s ability to provide essential services, from healthcare to education, has been severely compromised, and the average Ghanaian is bearing the brunt of this mismanagement. The high debt-to-GDP ratio means that a significant portion of the government’s budget goes towards servicing debt, leaving less for crucial services.
Inflation, which hovered around 43% in July 2024, continues to erode purchasing power, leaving families struggling to make ends meet.
Water and other essential resources are also in crisis. The Ghana Water Company Limited has reported that about 30% of urban residents lack access to safe drinking water, which should be unthinkable in the 21st century.
Yet, this reality reflects our political leadership’s failure to address its people’s basic needs.
This disillusionment is not mine alone. It is shared by millions of Ghanaians who have watched as the promise of democracy has been subverted by a political class more interested in maintaining power than in governing effectively.
The time has come for a new approach—one that prioritises the well-being of the people over the interests of the political elite. This change is not just necessary, it’s urgent.
We, the people, must demand accountability, transparency, and, most importantly, leaders who are genuinely committed to the development of Ghana. Our collective voice is a force to be reckoned with.
It is not enough to change parties every election cycle; we must change the system itself. The gravity of our situation demands a systemic change.
We must break the cycle of corruption and incompetence that has held our country back for far too long.
To build a Ghana that genuinely works for all its citizens, we must look beyond the familiar faces and slogans and demand real, substantive change. This change includes a transparent and accountable government, a focus on job creation and economic growth, and a commitment to providing essential services to all Ghanaians.
The future of our nation depends on it.
