On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Honourable Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minister for National Security, accompanied by the Chief Director and the Director of Intelligence Analysis at the Ministry, paid a working visit to the Ghanaian contingent of the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea Bissau (ESSMGB), known as GHANCOY 3. The visit took place on the sidelines of three key events: the 51st Independence Day celebration of Guinea Bissau, the Centenary Anniversary of the birth of Amílcar Cabral, and the 60th Anniversary of the Guinea Bissau Armed Forces.
The Minister’s visit aimed to assess the operational, administrative, and logistical status of the Ghanaian troops while boosting their morale. Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Mawuli Agboado, Combat Team Commander, and his staff officers provided a comprehensive briefing on the unit’s current state and expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s consistent support.
In his address, Hon. Kan-Dapaah commended the troops for their discipline and commitment to fulfilling the ECOWAS mandate in Guinea-Bissau. He lauded their unwavering efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region, emphasising their crucial role in safeguarding Ghana’s territorial integrity. The Minister recognised the challenges security personnel face, particularly as attacks against security forces have become more frequent. He praised the troops for their resilience, patience, and continued dedication to their mission.
One of the critical points the Minister highlighted during his visit was the government’s commitment to improving the compensation for security and intelligence officers. He assured the troops that measures were being taken to enhance their remuneration before the end of President Akufo-Addo’s term in January 2024, recognising their sacrifices and contributions to national security and stability.
Addressing recent misconceptions, the Minister firmly dismissed allegations of agreements between the government and terrorist groups. He reiterated that Ghana’s security framework is a robust deterrent to non-state actors, stressing that operational efficiency and vigilance remain the country’s primary tools in mitigating security threats.
The Minister also emphasised the government’s dedication to ensuring free and fair elections in December 2024. He commended the Electoral Commission’s efforts to uphold transparency and urged continued collaboration between the police and military to guarantee an incident-free electoral process.
Reflecting on his earlier tenure as Minister for Defence, Hon. Kan-Dapaah expressed his deep respect for the military’s discipline and professionalism. He concluded his address by reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting the Ghanaian contingent as they continue their vital mission in Guinea Bissau.
Prof. Isaac Boadi, Dean of the Faculty of Finance and Accounting at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has highlighted the significant financial commitment the government makes each year to sustain the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, calling for collective efforts to protect this transformative initiative.
Speaking on the Atupan Show on Asaasepa 107.3 FM on Monday, November 18, 2024, hosted by Bonohene Baffour Awuah, Prof. Boadi revealed that the state invests over 18,000 cedis per student annually under the Free SHS program. He explained that these funds cover essential expenses such as free uniforms, admission fees, maintenance costs, physical education kits, and supplementary stationery for the students. He described the financial burden taken off parents as “enormous,” underscoring the scale of the government’s intervention.
“When you multiply that investment by the number of students benefiting from the policy, the figures become mind-boggling. This isn’t just a minor expense; it represents a monumental allocation of resources to ensure that education is accessible to every Ghanaian child,” he stressed.
Policy’s continuity
Prof. Boadi called on all Ghanaians to recognize the value of the policy and to support measures to ensure its continuation. “We must appreciate and safeguard these efforts,” he urged, pointing to the broader impact of Free SHS on families across the country. “Education is a cornerstone of national development, and we must protect this investment in our youth.”
He stressed that the long-term benefits of Free SHS outweigh the financial strain on the state budget, noting that the policy is a vital step toward building an educated and skilled workforce. “The government’s commitment to bearing this financial burden is a testament to its dedication to the future of Ghana’s youth. It is now up to all of us to ensure that this investment yields the best possible outcomes for our country,” he added.
The dean also emphasized the academic achievements of Free SHS students, countering claims that the program has compromised educational quality. “If anyone says Free SHS has negatively affected the quality of education, they simply do not know what they are talking about,” he said. “Our students are excelling in areas like Robotics, and some are even pursuing higher studies in prestigious institutions like Brunel University. In core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and English, the results are there for all to see. The NPP administration has not compromised quality; rather, we have enhanced access and opportunity.”
The Free SHS campaign
Prof. Boadi further announced that a group of about 200 university educators is preparing to embark on an educational tour across the Central, Upper East, and Upper West regions to further defend and promote the policy. He said the objective of the tour is to engage parents and guardians directly, explaining the immense value of Free SHS and the need to protect it from political threats.
“We believe the policy is under threat,” he said, referencing past statements and pronouncements made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership. “We were in Ghana when we heard some of the NDC’s rejections and criticisms of the program. Even former President John Mahama once remarked that during elections, ‘we don’t tell the absolute truth; we lie small and speak the truth small.’ Mahama is on record to have said, “Ghana must not implement Free SHS on the whimsical promises of a desperate politician.” Such statements make us worry about the future of Free SHS under an NDC administration,” he stated.
Prof. Boadi stressed that the tour would provide a platform for educators to engage in meaningful conversations with local communities, addressing misconceptions and reinforcing the importance of sustaining the policy.
History of scholarships
The dean drew parallels between Free SHS and previous scholarship schemes, such as the Northern Scholarship and Cocoa Scholarship initiatives, which supported secondary education for specific groups. He argued that Free SHS builds on that legacy but on a much larger, nationwide scale. “We are making history by achieving gender parity in secondary education, something that was unthinkable a few decades ago,” he noted.
Prof. Boadi, therefore, called on all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation, to recognize the policy as a national asset that should be preserved. He emphasized the foundational pillars of education—quality, affordability, and access—as essential components of national development. “If we want our country to develop, we need to invest in mindset and resources,” he said. “These are the building blocks of a prosperous future.”
He urged unity in protecting the Free SHS policy, highlighting its role in shaping Ghana’s human capital and economic future. “This is not just about today’s students; it’s about the long-term development of our nation. Let’s work together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to Ghana’s progress,” he indicated.
Dr. Frank Bannor, a Development Economist and Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), has raised concerns over the substantial financial investment that Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy has demanded since its inception.
He underscored the enormity of the government’s commitment, revealing that over 10 billion cedis have been allocated to the program since 2016. Despite the financial burden, he emphasized the importance of safeguarding the policy to ensure continued benefits for future generations.
“What makes this even more significant is the sheer volume of resources that have gone into sustaining Free SHS. The government has committed more than 10 billion cedis, a staggering amount that highlights both the importance and the financial strain of the policy. What makes it even scary is that, between 2016 and now, the government of Ghana has spent a little over 10 billion cedis on Free SHS,” Dr. Bannor made these comments on the Atupan Show on Asaasepa 107.3 FM on Monday, November 18, 2024, hosted by Bonohene Baffour Awuah.
He further reflected on the opposition the Free SHS policy faced from the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He noted that during the 2012 election campaign, the NDC commissioned approximately 47 advertisements aimed at discrediting the promise of Free SHS made by then-candidate Nana Akufo-Addo, with many party members considering it an unrealistic dream.
He mentioned that in the lead-up to the 2016 elections, then-President John Mahama famously criticized the policy. “Ghana must not implement Free SHS on the whimsical promises of a desperate politician,” Mahama said, warning of potential failures akin to those experienced in other African countries that had tried free education. Dr. Bannor also referenced Mahama’s 2012 speech in Okere, where the former president claimed, “Free SHS will collapse the education system of Ghana.” In another instance, Mahama dismissed the program as a mere “political gimmick” while speaking at the University of Cape Coast in 2016.
Opposition from NDC
Dr. Bannor enumerated comments from other prominent NDC members who opposed Free SHS. Former Education Minister Lee Ocran in 2012 remarked, “Free SHS can only be possible in 2032, in 20 years.” Hajia Joyce Zeinabu, then National Women Organizer, warned in 2016 that the policy would “breed teenage pregnancies.” In 2018, General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketiah labeled the policy “shambolic” and suggested it would need to be scrapped. Elder Ofosu Ampofo, the NDC National Chairman, also claimed that the Double Track system under Free SHS was causing teenage pregnancies.
The GIMPA Lecturer criticized these comments and expressed concern over the potential risks of the policy being reversed or weakened. “It is dangerous if we, as university lecturers, don’t wage a frontal war to protect Free SHS,” he said, noting that the government has invested over 10 billion cedis in the initiative.
Data-backed achievements
To counter claims that Free SHS has compromised educational quality, Dr. Bannor presented a comparative analysis of student performance. Using data from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the Ghana Education Service, he compared results from 2015 and 2016—before the implementation of Free SHS—to those from 2020 and 2021.
In 2015, only 25.29% of students scored A1-C6 in Mathematics, with 37.17% failing (F9). By 2020, the first batch of Free SHS graduates showed substantial improvement, with over 50% of candidates earning A1-C6 in core subjects. Mathematics performance, for example, climbed to 65.71%, while English Language saw a pass rate of 57.34%.
Dr. Bannor underscored that approximately 60% of the 342,500 candidates in 2020 scored between A1 and C6 in their best six subjects, qualifying them for tertiary education. “Performance has generally improved under Free SHS, debunking fears that the policy would compromise academic standards,” he stated.
Social Impact of Free SHS
Beyond academic results, Dr. Bannor pointed out that Free SHS has achieved gender parity in education. “Because of Free SHS, we have gender parity at the SHS level for the first time in Ghana’s history,” he said, addressing the previous norm where boys were prioritized over girls in education. Drawing from his personal experience, he shared, “ I come from Obuasi, and I had Kumasi Anglican, but I couldn’t go, and so I understand the reality. Free SHS is a blessing in disguise, and we must all protect it.”
He stressed the importance of supporting transformational policies that uplift society and warned against political rhetoric that could jeopardize such gains. “A 24-hour economy is purely demand-driven, and if the demand is not there, then it is purely a slogan,” he stressed.
A group of university lecturers in Ghana have announced a campaign to protect the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, emphasizing its crucial role in the nation’s socio-economic development. The academics have committed to a week-long awareness tour from November 20 to November 27, 2024, covering the Central, Upper East, and Upper West Regions. The initiative aims to raise awareness and support for the policy, which they believe must be safeguarded at all costs.
Speaking on the Atupan Show on Asaasepa 107.3 FM on Monday, November 18, 2024, hosted by Bonohene Baffour Awuah, Dr. Frank Bannor, a Development Economist and Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), and Professor Isaac Boadi, Dean of the Faculty of Finance and Accounting at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), shed light on the motivations behind their advocacy. The segment, titled “Academics Join Hands to Protect Free SHS,” featured an in-depth discussion of the policy’s impact and the rationale for its proactive stance.
Dr. Bannor described the initiative as a “transformational policy” that has democratized access to secondary education. Speaking passionately about the importance of the program, Dr. Bannor said, “We cannot afford to let Free SHS falter,” emphasizing the critical role it plays in leveling the educational playing field for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He highlighted the policy’s impact in reducing financial barriers for countless families. According to him, thousands of students who would otherwise be unable to afford secondary education are now able to fulfill their academic aspirations. He cited the program’s undeniable success in enabling equal access to education, something that has long been a challenge in Ghana’s history.
Adverts against Free SHS
Reflecting on the opposition the Free SHS policy faced from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Bannor provided an extensive history of the party’s skepticism and vocal resistance. He noted that during the 2012 election campaign, the NDC commissioned approximately 47 advertisements aimed at discrediting the promise of Free SHS made by then-candidate Nana Akufo-Addo, with many party members considering it an unrealistic dream.
He mentioned that in the lead-up to the 2016 elections, then-President John Mahama famously criticized the policy. “Ghana must not implement Free SHS on the whimsical promises of a desperate politician,” Mahama said, warning of potential failures akin to those experienced in other African countries that had tried free education. Dr. Bannor also referenced Mahama’s 2012 speech in Okere, where the former president claimed, “Free SHS will collapse the education system of Ghana.” In another instance, Mahama dismissed the program as a mere “political gimmick” while speaking at the University of Cape Coast in 2016.
More opposition
Dr. Bannor enumerated comments from other prominent NDC members who opposed Free SHS. Former Education Minister Lee Ocran in 2012 remarked, “Free SHS can only be possible in 2032, in 20 years.” Hajia Joyce Zeinabu, then National Women Organizer, warned in 2016 that the policy would “breed teenage pregnancies.” In 2018, General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketiah labeled the policy “shambolic” and suggested it would need to be scrapped. Elder Ofosu Ampofo, the NDC National Chairman, also claimed that the Double Track system under Free SHS was causing teenage pregnancies.
Dr. Bannor criticized these comments and expressed concern over the potential risks of the policy being reversed or weakened. “It is dangerous if we, as university lecturers, don’t wage a frontal war to protect Free SHS,” he said, noting that the government has invested over 10 billion cedis in the initiative.
Data-backed achievements
To counter claims that Free SHS has compromised educational quality, Dr. Bannor presented a comparative analysis of student performance. Using data from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the Ghana Education Service, he compared results from 2015 and 2016—before the implementation of Free SHS—to those from 2020 and 2021.
In 2015, only 25.29% of students scored A1-C6 in Mathematics, with 37.17% failing (F9). By 2020, the first batch of Free SHS graduates showed substantial improvement, with over 50% of candidates earning A1-C6 in core subjects. Mathematics performance, for example, climbed to 65.71%, while English Language saw a pass rate of 57.34%.
Dr. Bannor underscored that approximately 60% of the 342,500 candidates in 2020 scored between A1 and C6 in their best six subjects, qualifying them for tertiary education. “Performance has generally improved under Free SHS, debunking fears that the policy would compromise academic standards,” he stated.
Social Impact of Free SHS
Beyond academic results, Dr. Bannor pointed out that Free SHS has achieved gender parity in education. “Because of Free SHS, we have gender parity at the SHS level for the first time in Ghana’s history,” he said, addressing the previous norm where boys were prioritized over girls in education. Drawing from his personal experience, he shared, “I come from Obuasi, and I understand the reality of financial barriers. Free SHS is a blessing in disguise, and we must all protect it.”
He emphasized the importance of supporting transformational policies that uplift society and warned against political rhetoric that could jeopardize such gains. “A 24-hour economy is purely demand-driven, and if the demand is not there, then it is purely a slogan,” Dr. Bannor stressed.
Economic cornerstone
Taking his turn in the conversation, Professor Isaac added that Free SHS serves as a cornerstone for Ghana’s long-term economic growth. “An educated population drives development,” he emphasized. He underscored the link between education and human capital formation, arguing that the policy’s continuation is essential for building a skilled and competitive workforce capable of transforming the nation’s economic landscape. “Our natural resources alone cannot guarantee a prosperous future; our people, educated and empowered, will drive that change,” he said. Prof. Boadi emphasized the need for Ghanaians to embrace and defend it against criticisms and perceived threats.
He reflected on Ghana’s educational struggles before the policy’s implementation. “We were in this country when we witnessed how education suffered,” he stated. Highlighting the substantial investments made under Free SHS, he declared, “When you look at the investment and the benefits, it is mind-boggling, and we must protect it.”
Mobilization for Free SHS awareness
Prof. Boadi revealed that a group of about 200 university lecturers, including himself, has committed to a nationwide campaign. Starting next week, the lecturers will tour Ghana’s Central, Upper East, and Upper West regions to engage parents and guardians. He said their goal is to explain the immense benefits of Free SHS and why it is imperative to safeguard the policy.
“We think Free SHS is under threat,” he noted, referencing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and what he described as their “pronouncements and rejection” of the policy in the past. “So, we teachers in universities are taking it upon ourselves to embark on this campaign,” Prof. Boadi said.
Responding to criticisms that Free SHS has compromised the quality of education, Prof. Boadi dismissed such claims as baseless. “If someone says Free SHS has affected the quality, then he or she doesn’t know what they are saying,” he indicated. He compared the policy to historic initiatives like the Northern Board Scholarship and the Cocoa Scholarship, both of which played pivotal roles in improving education in Ghana.
Prof. Boadi cited examples of Free SHS beneficiaries excelling academically and in extracurricular fields. “Our students are topping robotics competitions, and some have even secured places at prestigious institutions like Brunel University in the UK,” he said. Additionally, he pointed to data showing improvements in core subjects, including Mathematics, Science, and English, to affirm the policy’s impact on academic performance. “The results are glaring,” he stressed. “The NPP government has not compromised the quality of Free SHS.”
Easing financial burdens
Prof. Boadi further highlighted the financial relief that the Free SHS policy has provided to parents across the country. He detailed the government’s provision of free uniforms, admission fees, maintenance fees, physical education kits, and supplementary stationery. “The government spends over 18,000 cedis per student annually under Free SHS,” he said. “When you multiply that by the number of students each year, the investment is significant.”
He underscored the broader vision of the policy, comparing it to other social interventions like free maternity care. “Quality, affordability, and access are the cornerstones of this policy,” Prof. Boadi emphasized. “If we want a country to develop, we need both the mindset and the resources. These are the building blocks.”
Calls for a collective effort
Prof. Boadi also referenced a past statement by former President John Mahama, where Mahama admitted that in political campaigns, “we lie a little and speak the truth a little.” According to Prof. Boadi, such admissions highlight the need for vigilance and a commitment to preserving policies that genuinely benefit the nation.
He added that “the Free SHS policy is a national asset that must be protected and cherished. If we want to build a strong, educated society, Free SHS is a non-negotiable part of that vision,” he added.
A petition by Youth for Media Freedom (YMF), a pressure group advocating for ethical governance and transparent media practices in Ghana, has demanded the immediate removal of Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA). The petition alleges that Mr. Dwumfour is implicated in serious acts of coercion and abuse of power, undermining the Ghanaian media landscape ¹.
According to credible sources, Mr. Dwumfour has used his influence to threaten high-ranking businessmen, government officials, and appointees, wielding sensitive information to coerce them into submission. These officials have expressed deep apprehension over potential damage to their reputations and businesses.
The GJA’s role is to safeguard press freedom, foster ethical journalism, and hold members to high integrity standards. However, Mr. Dwumfour’s alleged actions, if substantiated, represent a flagrant abuse of his office and a betrayal of the trust bestowed upon him.
Previous Governance Issues
This is not the first time Mr. Dwumfour’s leadership has been called into question. In May 2024, the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) threatened to strike the GJA from the national register of companies for failing to submit annual accounts and update membership certificates. This incident reveals a significant deficiency in accountability and organizational governance under Mr. Dwumfour’s leadership.
Calls for Investigation and Reform
Youth for Media Freedom demands Mr. Dwumfour’s immediate suspension pending a thorough, impartial investigation. The group calls for an independent committee to investigate the allegations, with adequate resources and authority to summon witnesses and review evidence. If found guilty, Mr. Dwumfour should be held accountable, with actions taken to preserve the GJA’s integrity.
The petition also urges the government to collaborate with the GJA and stakeholders to introduce reforms preventing future abuse of media power. With the 2024 general elections approaching, a fair and independent media landscape is crucial to ensuring electoral transparency and public trust.
The Ghanaian public, government officials, and journalists deserve an association free from unethical practices. Will the GJA take decisive action to address these serious allegations and preserve its integrity? Only time will tell.
As the December 7 general election draws near, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled yet another strategy to undermine the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process in a desperate attempt to erode the credibility of the election.
The party has released a campaign advertisement seeking to buy the votes of Ghanaians, in clear violation of the country’s electoral laws. The advertisement promises cars, motorbikes, buildings, cash, travel opportunities, and other incentives to induce Ghanaians to vote for the NDC.
Currently trending on social media platforms and mainstream media, the advertisement urges Ghanaians to vote for the party and also help the party win the 2024 general election in exchange for free trip to Dubai and other incentives.
Some political watchers have expressed concerns over the acts of the NDC as it breaches provisions in the Representation of the People Law, 1992, PNDCL 284. The Act proscribes the payment of bribes and treating of voters in an election. Section 34 of the Act states that a person commits the offense of treating if, either directly or through another person, he corruptly provides or pays, in whole or in part, for the expenses of providing meat, drink, entertainment, or provision to any person to influence them or another person to vote or refrain from voting; or if he corruptly accepts or takes such offerings in this context.
Regarding bribery, Section 33 of the Act indicates that a person commits bribery if he, directly or through another, gives money or secures an office for a voter to induce voting or refraining from voting; or if he makes a gift or provides something of value to a voter to obtain the election of a candidate; or if he advances or pays money to be used in bribery; or if he, before or during an election, directly or indirectly receives, agrees, or contracts for money, a gift, a loan, or a valuable consideration for himself or another person in exchange for voting or abstaining. Furthermore, if he receives such rewards after the election, he commits an offense.
Section 41 of the Act states that a person convicted of bribery or treating shall be liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding ¢1 million or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both. Additionally, they shall be disqualified from being registered as a voter or voting in a public election for five years following their prison term.
The recent announcement by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to provide free tertiary education for the children of cocoa farmers marks a significant shift in educational and social policy. This landmark initiative recognizes the substantial contributions of cocoa farmers and ensures their children have the opportunity to access quality higher education at no cost. Such a bold move demonstrates the government’s commitment to equity and support for the farming community in education and economic development, championed under the current administration’s vision of transforming Ghana’s educational landscape.
Cocoa farmers have long been the backbone of Ghana’s economy, generating billions in revenue annually and making the country one of the leading cocoa exporters globally. Despite their dedication and hard work, cocoa farmers have often lacked access to the full benefits their contributions warrant. This new initiative seeks to address that imbalance by offering substantial support to their families, providing a significant and well-deserved incentive for farmers.
The promise of free tertiary education stands as an impactful upgrade from the previous cocoa scholarship program. By extending full coverage to tertiary education, the government takes a progressive step that will empower future generations, bringing economic stability and social mobility to cocoa-growing communities.
For this program to succeed, robust systems of data collection and management are essential. Accurate data on farmers and their children will ensure that the initiative reaches its intended beneficiaries. Through systematic data collection, COCOBOD and government bodies can prevent any manipulation, guaranteeing that the program remains a transparent, corruption-free effort solely for the benefit of cocoa farming families. By prioritizing accountability, this initiative is designed to inspire trust and confidence in the government’s administration.
This historic intervention speaks volumes about the NPP’s commitment to social equality and educational opportunity, underlining Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s role in advocating innovative policies that address the core needs of Ghanaian families. Dr. Bawumia has consistently emphasized policies that drive digital transformation, transparency, and economic inclusivity. His leadership represents a blend of visionary policy-making with a deep understanding of how to leverage Ghana’s resources to create practical benefits for all.
A vote for Dr. Bawumia is a vote for continued transformation and progress. His leadership, along with the parliamentary candidates representing the NPP, promises to extend similar opportunities across various sectors, ensuring that no Ghanaian is left behind. This program is one of many initiatives that emphasize the NPP’s prioritization of rural and underserved communities, delivering tangible benefits that will reshape Ghana for generations to come.
As Ghanaians, we have witnessed the positive changes and development efforts driven by the NPP administration. The introduction of free tertiary education for children of cocoa farmers illustrates the NPP’s commitment to equitable growth, ensuring that the country’s prosperity reaches every family, contributing to Ghana’s progress.
This is a time for Ghanaians to rally behind leaders who deliver on their promises and innovate for the future. By voting for Dr. Bawumia and NPP parliamentary candidates, we endorse a vision of fairness, opportunity, and sustainable development for all. Let us stand together and ensure that this progress continues, casting our votes for the leaders who are ready to transform Ghana’s future.
The upcoming 2024 elections in Ghana have sparked a new trend of political exchanges between candidates and their supporters. Unfortunately, rather than focusing on policies and progress, the discourse has turned personal and bitter, especially with the recent incident where former President John Dramani Mahama allegedly called Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia “STUPID.” Such a statement is unfortunate, reflecting poorly on the quality of our political discussions and setting a worrying precedent as we approach the elections. This type of rhetoric is a dangerous trend that Ghanaians must reject as we decide the future of our country.
The Background: Questioning and Insulting
This incident raises fundamental concerns about respect in political discourse. Former President Mahama posed five questions to Dr. Bawumia, a prominent contender in the 2024 elections, and in response, Dr. Bawumia raised 50 counter-questions without resorting to insults or inflammatory language. This contrast highlights two approaches to political discourse: one grounded in substantive questions and the other slipping into personal attacks.
A well-functioning democracy relies on debates that elevate ideas, policies, and visions for the future. Resorting to insults, especially in a public arena, reveals a lack of respect for the electorate and undermines the principle of constructive political competition. Ghana’s issues—from economic challenges to educational reforms—require leaders who can articulate practical solutions rather than those who distract voters through disparaging comments.
Mahama’s Responsibility to Apologize
If Ghana is to move forward, leaders need to be held accountable for their words and actions. Former President Mahama should apologize to Dr. Bawumia and the Ghanaian people for allowing personal attacks to cloud the 2024 campaign. His words do not just reflect a personal opinion; they send a message about the tone and content he believes should guide our nation’s political conversations.
An apology from Mahama would demonstrate his respect for the democratic process and Ghanaian citizens who look to him as a former leader. In the spirit of democracy, one would expect our politicians to be models of decorum and civility, reflecting values that uplift the nation and its people. At this moment, Mr. Mahama can set an example by making a public apology that shows respect for his opponents and the principles of healthy debate.
The Call for a Mature and Respectful Campaign
Insults have no place in campaign strategies. Ghanaians deserve leaders who respect their intelligence and engage in discourse that enlightens rather than divides. Resorting to personal attacks and name-calling is not only divisive but a reflection of weak arguments. Ghana needs leaders who will prioritize the nation’s progress over personal grudges.
Political leaders should compete based on ideas, solutions, and visions for Ghana. As we near the 2024 elections, voters should be vigilant and reject candidates who prioritize insults over issues. Ghanaians must come together to denounce this negative approach to campaigning and hold their leaders accountable to higher standards. A vote for civility is a vote for progress; only by demanding a respectful discourse can we protect the quality of our democracy and ensure that our leaders remain accountable to the people.
Why Insults Have No Place in Ghana’s Future
In a multi-party democracy, differences in opinions are natural, and debates are essential for democratic progress. However, when these differences turn into insults, they threaten the fabric of our society. Insults add nothing to the discussion and instead alienate voters, increase division, and distract from the real issues facing our country.
Dr. Bawumia’s response—posing questions without stooping to insults—demonstrates the level of respect and maturity expected from anyone aspiring to lead Ghana. He shows that differences can be addressed with composure, and public discourse does not have to descend into attacks.
In the spirit of democracy and national unity, Ghanaians should demand more from their leaders. Insults and inflammatory language should not determine the outcome of the 2024 elections. I call on former President Mahama to apologize to Dr. Bawumia and on all candidates to uphold civility in their campaigns. Only by raising the standards of our political discourse can we ensure a future of dignity, respect, and true progress for all Ghanaians. The 2024 elections should be about policies, plans, and possibilities—not personal attacks.
A Presidential Aide at the Office of the President, Charles Nii Teiko Tagoe, has stated that the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Somana Kingsford Bagbin over the last four years, has led the 8th Parliament with pettiness and with a gross inferiority complex making him the worst Speaker of Parliament in the history of Ghana.
In a post on his Facebook Wall on Friday, 8 November 2024, Nii Teiko Tagoe said he feel sorry for the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who has had to endure the consequences of the attitude of the Speaker and the unfortunate impact it has had on his presidency.
“This 8th Parliament of The Republic of Ghana is one big joke. I feel sorry for Ghana, I feel sorry for President Akufo-Addo for having to endure, since 2021, when the nation have had to deal with serious crisis, a split Parliament with an Opposition Speaker, all too eager to ensure government business fails. Hon Alban S.K. Bagbin is busy going down in history as the worst Speaker of Parliament in our nation’s entire history since colonial days,” Charles Nii Teiko Tagoe’s post on Facebook read.
“He allows pettiness and some inexplicable load of inferiority complex to get in the way of his leadership. A political group that believes that their only surefire route to victory is to frustrate government from delivering on its legitimate business cannot be patriots and should not be allowed to get away with it,” the Facebook post further read.
The Dean of Accounting and Finance at the University for Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Professor Isaac Boadi, has described as falsehood, Mahama’s claim that the Akufo-Addo administration has borrowed GHC42 Billion from the Bank of Ghana.
Taking his turn to address the audience at the ABC News’ Economic Symposium held at the Koforidua Technical University on November 5, 2024, Professor Boadi responded to John Mahama’s question to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, stating that the NDC’s presidential candidate got his information wrong.
“The former president asked Dr. Bawumia why the government borrowed more than GHC42 Billion from the Bank of Ghana, causing the central bank to post its heaviest loss of GHC60 Billion. The former president is not being truthful with his question. This government has not borrowed any GHC42 Billion from the Bank of Ghana” he emphasized.
“The GHC42 Billion represents monies the Bank of Ghana has given to the various governments or administrations since 2014. In the year 2022, the support given to the government by the Bank of Ghana stood at GHC5,328, and not the GHC42 Billion the former president is bandying about” he stated.
According to Professor Boadi, the GHC5,328 Billion support from the Bank of Ghana to the government as a result of the severity of the crisis the economy found itself in, a crisis which was not homegrown but was largely imported.
“Ghana had lost access to the International Capital Market; domestic revenue was also underperforming. The government needed to finance critical expenditures. To avert a disorderly default including financing critical imports to keep the economy on the stable path, Bank of Ghana needed to provide the necessary financing” he indicated.
Professor Boadi gave the following as Bank of Ghana’s claims on Government as at December 2022:
1. Bank of Ghana’s purchase of treasury bonds from banks to provide them with liquidity to enable them to meet their obligation to customers GH¢ 7.2 billion.
2. On-lending facilities granted by the international Monetary Fund (IMF) for onward lending to Government GH¢ 8.9 billion
3. Overdraft extended to Government, solely meant for the purpose of addressing auction shortfalls and paying customers whose bonds had matured and for which Government did not have adequate resources GH¢ 37.9 billion
4. Government Deposit liabilities at the Bank of Ghana recorded an increase in the course of 2022 GH¢ 9.5 billion
5. On a net basis therefore, putting together all claims and netting off all deposit liabilities, these transactions resulted in an increase in Bank of
Ghana’s net claims to the Government, and these amounted to GHC44.5 billion.
Professor Isaac Boadi called on the Ghanaian electorate not to fall for the untruths of the NDC’s presidential candidate as the 2024 elections comes up this December.
