2024 Ghana polls: A call for accountability for 2 leading parties [Kwame Amporful writes]

From experience, systems break down when individuals repeatedly engage in misconduct without facing accountability. When there are no consequences for such actions, the perpetrators become emboldened, committing even more egregious acts.

What many fail to realise is that nothing stays hidden forever. Sooner or later, the truth comes to light. Even from my hideout, I am astounded by the number of corruption cases that have surfaced. What’s even more troubling is the brazen attempts to justify these actions or mock the citizenry when concerns are raised.

At times, I hear the staggering sums involved and the shameless manner in which these acts are carried out, and I feel a deep sorrow for this nation. I think about the lives that could be transformed by these amounts—the people who could be lifted out of poverty, the projects that could revolutionise communities. Instead, these resources are funnelled to individuals for inadequate work, substandard services, or sometimes no work at all.

This upcoming election will likely hinge on two critical issues:

1. The state of the economy, particularly inflation and exchange rates.
2. Corruption, and perhaps the impact of the social policies implemented by the NPP.

My friends in the NPP know winning this election is an uphill battle—hence the slogan, “It is possible.” Yet, I don’t hold the NDC in higher regard. Many within their ranks are simply waiting for their turn to assume power and enrich themselves. We’ve seen this before. While it may not have been on this scale, the economy’s growth since they were last in power makes it likely that worse will happen should they return.

Ideally, I would advocate for a third political force—a movement to send a strong message to the two major parties. This nation desperately needs accountability for past corruption and a system that proves governance can benefit everyone, not just a select few. Unfortunately, no third force is adequately prepared. None have the systems in place to mount a credible challenge.

The NDC is likely to win this election—not because they will govern better, but because history shows that the electorate tends to vote out administrations plagued by poor economic conditions and corruption.

If the NPP does manage to secure a win, which remains a possibility, I fear even graver consequences. Either way, our prospects as a nation feel bleak—we’re in a mess.


By:  Kwame Amporful

The writer is a Finance, Accounting, Banking, Audit, Tax and Compliance Professional