Why I Will NoT VOTE THE NPP

On Saturday, 7th December 2024, Ghanaians will head to the polls to elect a President and 276 members of parliament. As the President aptly put it, this is one of the most consequential elections of the Fourth Republic. While many voters have already made their choice, there are still some who remain undecided. In this article, I share key reasons why I will not be voting for the NPP on Saturday.

A Vote for Accountability and Change
A vote for the NPP and Dr. Bawumia would essentially be a carte blanche for impunity and disrespect for the Ghanaian people. Despite the challenges of mismanagement, corruption scandals, nepotism, conflicts of interest, the rising cost of living, and other troubling issues under this administration, a victory for the NPP would suggest that accountability is not a priority for the electorate. This could embolden the government to perpetuate even harsher conditions, knowing there are minimal repercussions.
Make no mistake, this election serves as a referendum on the performance of Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP government over the past eight years. It’s worth reflecting on whether such circumstances would have been tolerated under former President Mahama’s tenure. In fact, far less critical conditions during his administration sparked widespread dissatisfaction, leading to his removal. Yet, the alternative we chose has fallen far short of expectations, raising questions about the path forward for our nation.

Economic Challenges and High Cost of Living
Ghana is currently navigating one of its most challenging economic periods in the Fourth Republic. In 2022, the country defaulted on $30 billion in sovereign debt, resulting in a debt-to-GDP ratio of 104%. This fiscal crisis necessitated a $3 billion IMF bailout, despite earlier assurances that the nation would not return to the fund. Inflation surged beyond 50%, and the cedi experienced severe depreciation against the dollar and other major currencies. Consequently, all major international rating agencies downgraded Ghana’s economy to junk status, effectively shutting the country out of international borrowing markets.
The Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP), a prerequisite for the IMF bailout, further compounded hardships for citizens, particularly local bondholders who suffered significant ‘haircuts’ on their investments. These economic struggles have fueled widespread dissatisfaction, with 80% of Ghanaians believing the economy is headed in the wrong direction, according to Afrobarometer. Additionally, the World Bank reports that 825,000 Ghanaians have been pushed below the poverty line.
While external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war may have contributed to the economic shocks, it would be disingenuous to attribute the crisis solely to these events. Ghana’s unbridled appetite for excessive borrowing and poor fiscal discipline played a pivotal role in deepening the nation’s economic woes.

Corruption and Governance Concerns
The preponderance of corruption related scandals under this government have cost the country millions of dollars, severely undermining public trust and fiscal integrity. Notable examples include the BOST contaminated fuel scandal, the Cash-for-Seat controversy, the PDS fiasco, the Kelni GVG deal, the Agyapa Royalties deal, the banking sector cleanup, the Sputnik V procurement, and the National Cathedral project, among others. The National Cathedral, in particular, has drawn sharp criticism for its lack of transparency, with over $58 million reportedly spent with little tangible progress to show.
In response to concerns about his large number of ministerial appointments, President Nana Akufo-Addo justified the decision as a “necessary investment” for the country’s rapid transformation. Unfortunately, the results suggest otherwise. Instead of driving national progress, these appointments appear to have primarily benefited appointees and their families at taxpayers’ expense— a quintessential case of jobs for the boys.
Dr. Bawumia once touted the Pwalugu Dam as one of the most significant projects undertaken in northern Ghana under the NPP administration. However, a parliamentary committee on energy and mines found no evidence of work at the site despite GHS 200 million reportedly allocated for the project. These instances highlight a troubling pattern of unfulfilled promises and mismanagement.

Press Freedom and Democratic Integrity
Expectations were high for President Akufo-Addo, particularly given his background in human rights law. However, the media landscape has experienced unprecedented challenges, with numerous reports of journalist intimidation and even instances of alleged torture. The tragic murder of Ahmed Suale in 2019, coupled with the government’s apparent lack of urgency in fully investigating the case and delivering justice, remains a significant blemish on Ghana’s global reputation. These incidents have fostered an atmosphere of fear, severely undermining the press’s essential role as a democratic watchdog.
Additionally, the politicization of key state institutions, including the Electoral Commission and judiciary, has raised serious concerns about their independence and impartiality. Public confidence in these institutions is waning, with an Afrobarometer survey indicating that 62% of Ghanaians have little or no trust in the courts— a sentiment largely driven by the perception of bias in handling politically sensitive cases. These developments threaten the democratic values that Ghana has long been celebrated for.

Conclusion
This election presents a pivotal moment to hold our leaders accountable and demand a higher standard of governance. While no administration is without its challenges, the decisions we make at the ballot box should reflect our commitment to good governance, economic progress, and a stronger democratic foundation.
For these reasons, I will be voting for John Dramani Mahama. I encourage you to reflect on what matters most for the future of our nation and make a choice that aligns with your vision for Ghana.