Professor Ransford Gyampo of the University of Ghana has urged political leaders to exercise caution when making promises to Ghanaians in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.
Gyampo’s appeal comes amid growing political campaigns and promises from major party candidates.
Gyampo warned that whichever party emerges victorious in the elections will confront substantial challenges, given the prevailing economic and social conditions.
He expressed concern that the current climate of disillusionment among the youth may lead them to be swayed by alluring campaign promises. However, he cautioned that failing to deliver on these promises could jeopardize the nation’s peace and democracy, as disappointed youth might resort to unrest.
“Power will change hands, whether it is a matter of breaking the eight or not,” Gyampo remarked during an appearance on TV3’s Key Points on August 17.
“The situation will have to get tougher before it improves. Much effort will be required to rebuild Ghana and recover what we have lost as a people. This calls for hard work.”
Gyampo specifically referenced the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama’s proposal to eliminate fees for first-year students at public universities.
He expressed concern about creating unrealistic expectations among the youth, suggesting that such promises could lead to more significant disappointments if not appropriately managed.
“In this period, every segment of the voting population expects solutions to their problems.
However, realistically, it will take significant effort to rebuild and regain what has been lost,” Gyampo said. “Young people need to understand that the path ahead will be challenging before it gets easier.”
He stressed that both the leaders and the general populace must prepare for a period of increased hardship, regardless of who assumes power.
“From the highest-ranking politician to the lowest-rated citizen, everyone must brace themselves for some additional difficulties before conditions start to improve,” Gyampo concluded.
Gyampo’s remarks come in response to the NDC’s recent launch of its youth manifesto, which includes promises to alleviate educational costs for university students if Mahama is elected.
