Professor Godfred Bokpin has remarked that Ghana’s democracy is dominated by political promises, particularly as parties release their manifestos for the 2024 elections. He cautioned voters about the reality of unfulfilled pledges due to financial limitations, specifically highlighting the disconnect between campaign promises and fiscal feasibility. Additionally, he criticized educational policies like the Free SHS for lacking in quality despite increased enrollment.
Professor Godfred Bokpin, a distinguished Lecturer of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School, has critically assessed the nature of Ghana’s democracy, characterizing it as fundamentally a politics of promises. His statements come in light of the forthcoming 2024 elections, during which political parties have begun to present their manifestos, inciting significant discourse among voters. One notable proposal is the “24 Hour-economy” initiative from former President John Dramani Mahama, which has drawn considerable attention. In a candid discussion with Naa Dedei Tettey on Starr Morning, Professor Bokpin elucidated the gap between the promises made by political entities and the fiscal realities that exist within the country. He expressed concern that although parties campaign with various initiatives, they are aware of the insufficient financial resources available to actualize these proposals once they take office. He urged the electorate to remain cautious of potential disappointments that might arise from unfulfilled political pledges. Professor Bokpin articulated, “Our democracy is one of a politics of promises. 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… It’s not like the Ghanaians can hold politicians accountable to their promises, both in terms of quantity and quality.” He underscored this issue by referencing the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) initiative, noting that while it has increased enrollment, it has not adequately addressed the quality of education. In his view, the focus has been predominantly on increasing numbers rather than ensuring that the education system meets quality standards, stating, “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.” This critique raises significant questions about the effectiveness of educational policies and the broader implications of political promises in Ghana’s development.
Ghana has a multi-party democratic system where political parties frequently make campaign promises aimed at addressing various socio-economic issues. However, there has been growing skepticism regarding the ability of these parties to fulfill their commitments due to constraints on the national budget and other financial resources. The discussions surrounding political manifestos and their feasibility become especially pronounced during election periods, as voters seek assurances that proposed policies can lead to genuine improvements. Professor Bokpin’s insights highlight this discrepancy in the political landscape, emphasizing the need for a more realistic approach to governance and accountability.
In conclusion, Professor Godfred Bokpin’s reflections on Ghana’s political climate expose significant concerns regarding the nature of electoral promises and their implausibility. With political parties frequently touting ambitious plans without the requisite financial backing, the electorate faces the risk of disappointment. As highlighted in the critique of the Free SHS initiative, mere increases in enrollment do not satisfy quality needs in education. Ultimately, Ghanaians must remain vigilant and discerning as they navigate the political landscape leading up to the upcoming elections.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
