Politics: Our Burden?

Can there be a society without politics? Does politics influence people? Is politics helpful? Let us see. Politics plays an integral role in our lives as citizens. Even before Ghana gained independence, many prominent people engaged in politics one way or the other in the struggle for independence. Every issue was argued and criticized through politics. As the years go by, many Ghanaian politicians have risen to power. Some look at issues with a political lens while others believe in applying common sense. The growing merits of politics has made many citizens become interested in political issues. Others also believe that politics and politicians do nothing but lie to gain fame. But has politics been a burden or helpful? Let us take our time to critically scrutinize these issues because a society without politics is like an athlete ready to run with no legs. Politics is what drives people to take either rational or irrational decisions. Let us take a look at what politics really means and the role of politicians in governance.

There are many philosophies on politics. A school of thought explains politics as ‘the actions or activities which people use to achieve power in a country. But for some people they see politics to be an avenue to argue and debate on national issues. Everyone has a unique definition of politics but the most important aspect of politics is the government and the people. Without these two stakeholders, politics will not exist. With this understanding, what then does it mean to politicize an issue? Politicizing an issue is causing something or someone to view issues not on a neutral perspective but from a bias political lens. Neutral people politicize issues because of the positive and negative impact it has on society and the economy. This shows that a lot of people do not know the thrills, twists and turns in politics. This makes them speak anyhow. These group of people in my opinion are political illiterates.

Everything in Ghana has been politicized negatively, from education to health to transport. Why do we keep politicizing issues than giving solutions to solve them? If we politicize issues, because we lack knowledge of the subject, hate a particular groups’ policy or because we have the freedom of speech then my question still stands: Has politics been helpful or burdensome? We claim to be a country with one identity as Ghanaians and boast of our rich agriculture and resources such as gold. Why then do political parties rise against other political parties to criticize their policies when it benefits the majority in society? An example is the Free Senior High School policy. Let us remember that we are one people with one identity as Ghanaians. If politics becomes a reason for the division of citizens then politics and political discourse is needless.

Politics has been a Ghanaian bane for some time now. We negatively over politicize issues rather than giving solutions to them. Citizens who are heavily affected by political issues end up having divided attention because of divisive politics. This makes most citizens become less interested in politics because of the negative thoughts they have accumulated on politics. They no longer partake in any decision making process of the country. Politics becomes need less when it fails to unite the citizens and politicians in governance.

Let us take a look at the role of politicians in governance. A politician is a person whose job is in politics, especially a member of parliament and so on. Politicians are to see to it that every political issue is broken down for all to understand. Even though every politician has a different mindset on issues, it should not be an avenue to quarrel openly with opposition parties to dent the image of politics Politicians should ensure that everything that concerns them is clean. No issues of bribery and corruption. No embezzlement of state funds and so forth. Politicians should not use their social status in influence peddling infringe on the rights of others. Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse.

To conclude, instead of criticizing issues, we should focus on suggesting solutions to issues of national concern. The solution might require difficult decisions to be taken. Politicians, kindly remove your political lenses and deal with issues realistically for a better country and peaceful co-existence.

Boye Armah Emmanuel Nicholas Nii
A student of the Presbyterian Senior
High. Mampong, Akuapem.
2 Arts 5.