The Day of Accountability Has Arrived: Ghana's 7th December 2024 Election

As Ghana approaches the 7th of December, a pivotal day of accountability looms for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. The upcoming election represents more than just a routine democratic exercise; it is a crucial referendum on the NPP’s governance over the past years. The citizens of Ghana are ready to cast their votes, reflecting their verdict on the numerous allegations and issues that have defined the NPP's term in office.

The Charges Against the NPP Government

1. Supervising and Increasing Galamsey: Despite promises to tackle illegal mining, or galamsey, the NPP government is accused of failing to halt this destructive practice. The environmental degradation caused by galamsey has left rivers polluted and farmlands barren, endangering livelihoods and ecosystems.

2. Supervising and Increasing Corruption: The administration faces serious accusations of escalating corruption. High-profile corruption cases and perceived lack of accountability have eroded public trust in government institutions.

3. Appropriation of National Wealth: Allegations of misappropriating national resources have surfaced, suggesting that wealth meant for the development of the nation has been diverted for personal gain.

4. Selective Justice: The NPP government is criticized for practicing selective justice, where political allies are shielded from legal repercussions while opponents are targeted, undermining the principle of equality before the law.

5. Economic Mismanagement: The economic performance under the NPP has been disappointing to many. The devaluation of the Cedi, which has plummeted from 1 USD = 5 Cedis to 1 USD = 16 Cedis, symbolizes broader economic challenges, including rising debt and inflation.

6. Pollution of Water Bodies: Environmental mismanagement has led to severe pollution of rivers and water bodies. With essential water sources contaminated, there is a looming threat of having to import water for basic needs.

7. Confiscation of Savings and Investments: Pensioners and retirees have suffered from the government’s policies, losing their hard-earned savings and investments, which has led to financial distress and, tragically, loss of lives.

8. LGBTQ Bill Controversy: Despite parliamentary approval, the NPP government has not enacted the LGBTQ Bill, which has caused outrage among many Ghanaians who view it as contrary to the nation’s cultural and moral values.

9. Supporting LGBTQ Rights: The government’s perceived support for LGBTQ rights conflicts with the beliefs of a significant portion of the population, leading to widespread discontent.

10. Financial Mismanagement: Numerous instances of financial mismanagement have come to light, resulting in significant losses to the state and further aggravating the economic crisis.

11. Complacency in Societal Issues: The NPP has been accused of complacency and inaction in addressing critical societal issues, leading to a deterioration in social conditions.

12. Imposing the E-Levy: The introduction of the E-Levy has been met with fierce opposition, seen as an unnecessary and burdensome tax on already struggling citizens.

13. Unexplained Wealth: There are allegations of unexplained wealth accumulation among government officials, raising suspicions of corruption and misuse of public funds.

14. Over-Borrowing and Debt Crisis: The NPP’s borrowing spree has significantly increased the national debt, pushing Ghana into an economic crisis that required intervention from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

15. $58 Million Wasted on National Cathedral: The controversial National Cathedral project has become a symbol of fiscal irresponsibility. With $58 million spent, the project is criticized as an extravagant expense amidst economic hardships, often referred to as the "most expensive pit in the world."

16. GHS60.8 Billion Loss in Bank of Ghana: The Bank of Ghana has reported staggering losses amounting to GHS60.8 billion, reflecting severe financial mismanagement and raising concerns about the stability of the nation's financial system.

The Verdict

As Ghanaians prepare to vote, the charges against the NPP are severe and numerous. The collective sentiment suggests a deep dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, driven by a desire for change and improved governance. The verdict of the people is clear: the NPP government has failed to meet their expectations on multiple fronts.

The Sentence

The election is expected to serve as a decisive moment, where the citizens of Ghana will express their demand for accountability and justice. The NPP’s tenure has been marked by numerous controversies and failures, leading many to call for a new leadership that can steer the nation towards prosperity and stability.

Conclusion

The 7th of December is more than an election and independence day; it is a day of reckoning for the NPP government. The people of Ghana are ready to deliver their verdict, seeking a government that will prioritize their needs, uphold justice, and foster genuine development. As the votes are cast, the message from the electorate is loud and clear: accountability is not just expected—it is demanded.