Following the 2024 general elections, many Ghanaians have revealed their motivations for the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) significant defeat. The peaceful elections reaffirmed Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy, with congratulatory messages pouring in from around the world.
In an interview with GhanaNewsOnline, business mogul Togbe Afede IV commended President-elect John Mahama on his resounding victory and praised out-going Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his early concession message, which helped ease tensions while Ghanaians awaited the Electoral Commission’s official declaration of results.
“Ghana remains united after the elections. I am particularly glad that Ghanaians demonstrated their commitment to democracy. Despite enduring many challenges in recent years, they used their votes to express their desires. This is a testament to their faith in democratic development,” Togbe Afede noted.
Key Factors Behind the Election Outcome
Togbe Afede attributed the NPP’s defeat to voter discontent with dishonesty, lawlessness, corruption, and injustice. He cited several scandals, such as the government’s controversial involvement in funding the National Cathedral without parliamentary approval, as key issues that eroded public trust.
“Ghanaians voted against corruption, especially scandals like the PDS deal that hampered the energy sector and the destructive impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on our forests, water bodies, and farmlands. These actions have left a legacy of environmental and financial devastation,” he lamented.
He also criticized the government’s economic mismanagement, highlighting issues such as excessive spending, rising debt, and the Bank of Ghana’s financial losses. “It’s shocking that the Bank of Ghana committed almost $300 million to build a new office while the country faced a budget deficit and widespread unemployment,” he added.
Expectations for the Incoming Government
Togbe Afede expressed optimism about President Mahama’s promised policies, including the 24-hour economy, which he believes could revolutionize employment and revenue generation in Ghana. However, he emphasized the importance of recovering stolen assets, fighting corruption, and promoting industrialization.
“Policies like One District, One Factory and One Village, One Dam were mere rhetoric. Industrialization is vital, but 1D1F policy failed to take into consideration relevant factor market and product market issues, for example, raw materials for over 200 new factories contemplated and markets for their produce. The Free SHS program is commendable but needs reform to ensure sustainability,” he suggested.
Concerns Over Election Transparency
Togbe Afede called for greater transparency in future elections, particularly regarding the accuracy of the voter register. He questioned reports of low voter turnout, suggesting that illegal thumb-printed ballots that could not find their way into the ballot box and inaccuracies in the voter register may have influenced the final turnout ratio.
“It’s evident that many irregularities were uncovered after the polls. These issues must be addressed to uphold the integrity of our electoral process,” he stated.
A Call to Action
As Ghana transitions to a new administration, Togbe Afede urged the government to prioritize economic recovery, job creation, and anti-corruption measures. “The lessons from this election should shape the agenda of the incoming government. Ghanaians deserve better governance, transparency, and accountability,” he concluded.
By Madjid Diallo || GhanaNewsOnline