A former Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, has raised serious apprehensions about the state of Ghana’s democracy.
Dr Afari-Gyan points to a troubling landscape marked by unfulfilled promises and widespread instances of vote-buying, signaling a critical evaluation of the country’s democratic foundations.
Underlining the imperative for corrective actions, he underscored the pressing need to address these issues, affirming that the nation is regressing in its democratic trajectory.
Dr Afari-Gyan pointed out the widespread occurrence of electoral malpractices, noting that politicians are giving precedence to hollow promises rather than substantive policies.
Addressing the audience during the Constitution Day Public Lecture on Monday, January 8, he issued a cautionary statement, expressing his concern that Ghana is treading a precarious path. He warned that if not addressed, the diminishing political sincerity may erode voters’ faith, posing a significant threat to the democratic process.
“In days gone by, whatever vote buying or selling there took place in secrecy. It’s not so these days. What we have now looks like an open market where candidates can freely buy votes and citizens can freely sell their votes in broad daylight while we all look on seemingly unconcerned.”
“It is a shameful spectacle because vote buying and vote selling are unlawful,” he stated.
Dr Afari-Gyan concluded that “All is not well with our democracy.”
He thus emphasised the need for Ghanaians to demand better from their leaders and actively participate in safeguarding the principles that underpin a healthy democracy.
His blunt assessment serves as a rallying cry for citizens to take a proactive stance in shaping the future of Ghana’s democratic landscape.