The Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central, Henry Quartey, has called on voters to avoid supporting political parties that lack actionable and comprehensive messages. Speaking during the 2024 Special Voting Exercise on Monday, December 2, Quartey emphasized the importance of electing a government that prioritizes bold solutions to address the country’s challenges.
Quartey criticized opposition parties for what he described as a lack of substantive policies, contrasting them with the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) well-structured agenda. He pointed to the NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as a leader with a clear plan to enhance the livelihoods of Ghanaians through targeted policies.
“We are making a special appeal to Ghanaians to vote for the NPP government,” Quartey stated. “In their campaign, they [opposition parties] haven’t told Ghanaians that today kenkey is GH¢6 and when they come, the same will be GH¢1. In their campaign, they haven’t told Ghanaians that when they come, the price of fuel will be half of what it sells now. In their campaign, they haven’t told Ghanaians that when they come, they will triple the salaries of workers.
“Also, in their campaign, they haven’t told Ghanaians that yes, a dollar is sixteen cedis. Are they going to make it GH¢6 when they come? Certainly not. So, what is the message? We have a message. The flagbearer is clear and says: Bold Solutions. He has outlined a number of manifesto policies that when Ghanaians vote for NPP, these are the areas we are going to go to.
“Teachers and nurses will be given exemptions; duty-free. There will be a flat tax, and there will be no duty on the import of mobile phones, among others. So, this is a campaign that is loaded with messages. We don’t have an alternative. So, voting for a party that has no message is dangerous for this country. And I think that the youth should think about their future,” Quartey added.
The ongoing Special Voting exercise, organized by the Electoral Commission (EC), is an integral part of the election process and caters to individuals who will play critical roles on election day. These include electoral officials, security personnel, and media representatives. By voting early, these individuals ensure their availability to carry out their election duties seamlessly.
According to the EC, approximately 131,478 individuals are eligible to participate in the Special Voting, representing 0.007% of the total registered electorate of 18,741,159. The exercise is taking place at designated polling stations across 14 of Ghana’s 16 regions, underlining the national scope of the election process.
Quartey’s comments come at a crucial time in Ghana’s electoral season, as political parties intensify their campaigns to secure the mandate of the people. He highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s proposed policies as evidence of the NPP’s preparedness to tackle pressing national issues. These include duty exemptions for teachers and nurses, tax reforms, and measures to ease the cost of living.
Quartey’s appeal to the youth to critically assess the manifestos of political parties underscores the importance of informed voting. With the country at a crossroads, he warned against entrusting leadership to parties that lack clear and actionable plans, as this could jeopardize Ghana’s progress.
The Special Voting exercise represents a significant milestone in the electoral calendar, offering a glimpse into the efficiency of the overall election management process. It also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to address any logistical challenges ahead of the December 7 general elections.
Ghana’s electoral process remains a model for democratic governance in Africa, and the participation of key stakeholders in the Special Voting underscores the inclusivity of the system. The EC’s efforts to accommodate those who serve during the elections reflect a commitment to ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in shaping the nation’s future.
As the countdown to the general elections continues, the focus is on ensuring transparency, fairness, and credibility. The Special Voting exercise sets the tone for what promises to be a highly anticipated electoral event, with the stakes higher than ever for the political parties and their candidates.
For Quartey and the NPP, the message is clear: a vote for the NPP represents a vote for bold, actionable solutions that prioritize the welfare of the people. His emphasis on the party’s manifesto highlights the importance of presenting a clear vision to the electorate, a principle he believes sets the NPP apart from its competitors.
Ghanaians are now tasked with evaluating the promises of the various political parties as they prepare to make their voices heard on election day. The clarity and feasibility of these promises will undoubtedly influence voter decisions, shaping the direction of the country for the next four years.
Quartey’s remarks resonate with the broader conversation about the role of leadership in addressing Ghana’s challenges. His critique of the opposition’s lack of detailed plans underscores the need for accountability and substance in political campaigns. As the elections approach, these discussions will remain central to the national discourse, guiding voters in their decision-making process.
The 2024 general elections are poised to be a defining moment for Ghana, with the outcomes expected to have far-reaching implications for governance and development. For now, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth and inclusive electoral process, starting with the successful execution of the Special Voting exercise.
