Governance Analyst, Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, has called on politicians to exercise caution and restraint when making campaign promises ahead of the 2024 elections. His warning comes in response to a surge in promises from leading political parties and presidential aspirants, many of which he believes are unrealistic given the country’s current economic challenges.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News on Thursday, Prof. Agyeman-Duah stressed the importance of managing public expectations. He emphasized that, while politicians may be eager to win votes, many of the promises being made are not feasible given the state of the Ghanaian economy. He warned that making pledges that cannot be fulfilled could erode public trust in political leaders and the democratic process.
“I think politicians take undue advantage of the lack of sophistication of the citizens to make all kinds of promises. Our current situation is that our economy is almost bankrupt, if not already bankrupt, and we know that we cannot even go to the international market to borrow,” Prof. Agyeman-Duah said, highlighting the stark economic reality facing the country.
He urged voters to approach political promises with a healthy dose of skepticism and to critically evaluate whether the promises made are realistic, given the constraints on the national budget. The professor’s comments come at a time when many Ghanaians are grappling with economic hardships, including rising inflation, a depreciating currency, and high levels of unemployment.
Prof. Agyeman-Duah pointed out that politicians often exploit the hopes and dreams of citizens, particularly during election periods, by offering grandiose promises that may not be achievable. He expressed concern that such tactics could undermine the credibility of the political class in the long run.
“In view of all this, if somebody comes to tell you, ‘I’m going to build you this, I’m going to buy you a plane, I’m going to build you an airport,’ you have to ask yourself, ‘Is this possible? Is this really feasible?’” he remarked.
He called on political leaders to be transparent with the public about the true state of the economy. He believes that by being honest about the country’s financial limitations, politicians can better manage expectations and avoid making promises that are unlikely to be fulfilled.
“It’s important for the politicians first to let the citizens know the nature of the economy of the country, and they cannot bypass that and make promises that they know too well the economy cannot carry at this time,” he advised.
Prof. Agyeman-Duah also touched on the potential long-term consequences of unfulfilled campaign promises. He warned that if politicians continue to make unrealistic pledges, they risk alienating voters and eroding the public’s trust in the democratic process.
“If they continue to do that, they make citizens lose trust in them, and in that case, I don’t know how our politics will be played out in the future. So it’s important for our politicians to be very measured in the promises that they give to the citizens,” he added.
The professor’s comments reflect growing concerns among many Ghanaians about the direction of the country’s political discourse, particularly as the 2024 elections approach. In recent months, political parties and presidential candidates have been unveiling ambitious plans to tackle the country’s various challenges, from infrastructure development to healthcare and education. However, with Ghana facing significant economic difficulties, including high levels of debt and limited access to international credit markets, there is skepticism about how these promises will be funded.
In light of these challenges, Prof. Agyeman-Duah’s call for caution resonates with many Ghanaians who are tired of hearing grand promises that fail to materialize. The professor’s advice to politicians is clear: be realistic, be honest, and avoid making promises that cannot be kept.
His message also serves as a reminder to citizens to critically assess the promises made by political leaders and to consider whether those promises are grounded in reality. In a country where economic challenges are a daily struggle for many, it is more important than ever for voters to hold politicians accountable for the pledges they make.
As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, the focus on campaign promises will likely intensify. Political parties will continue to compete for votes by offering solutions to the country’s problems. However, Prof. Agyeman-Duah’s warning is a timely reminder that not all promises are created equal, and voters should be wary of pledges that seem too good to be true.
Ultimately, the upcoming elections present an opportunity for Ghanaians to choose leaders who are not only capable of addressing the country’s immediate challenges but who are also honest about the limitations imposed by the current economic situation. Prof. Agyeman-Duah’s call for restraint is a call for a more measured and responsible approach to governance—one that prioritizes long-term stability over short-term gains.
In conclusion, as political parties ramp up their campaigns and present their visions for the future, both politicians and citizens must remain mindful of the realities facing Ghana. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, the country can move towards a brighter future, where promises are kept, and trust in the democratic process is restored.
