NPP/NDC Polarization: A Time Bomb Waiting To Explode

Since 1992, the political choice of Ghanaians has been divided between two political parties even though Ghana is practicing multi party democracy.

The New Patriotic Party and The National Democratic Congress have been the main parties in Ghana from the beginning of the fourth republic and support for these two political parties has grown from just a matter of political choice as to who Ghanaians entrust the management of our resources to, supporters of these two parties have become emotionally and religiously attached to these parties.

Over these few years, supporters on each side of the political divide have become more united in voice and action while they have also become more hostile to their political opponent.

The unity in voice and action among the supporters of these two parties sterns from the unity that is found among the leaders of each side, within each party, leaders are expected to speak with one voice even if it is clear that lies are being told and people who occasionally try to speak out to right wrongs that are being propagated by party leaders are treated as traitors and are dealt with drastically.

There have been many of these instances in recent history that is fresh in the mind of Ghanaians so I will not waste much time listing these instances.

Positions are scarce within the ranks of these parties that party officials allow themselves to be “whipped” to tow party lines at the expense of our dear mother Ghana.

In an effort to get the mandate of the people, these two parties have over the years demonized each other using all sorts of means possible with no regard to peace of mother Ghana. Over the years, these two parties who have controlled our parliament have hardly come to a consensus on single policy aimed at promoting the development Ghana without putting the interest of their parties first.

(But when it comes to their salary and personal loans they are quick to speak with one voice)

The pockets of violence we see increasing in each electioneering period are not just mere events that happen during those periods, but are the manifestation of final stages of the tension that the two political parties build between their supporters with their utterances and actions.

During each and every election period, wounds are created and are left unhealed. These wounds are deepened and new ones created in subsequent electioneering periods.

Luckily we have enjoyed some level peace and stability since 1992 but the country becomes more polarized after each elections. We have just come out another election period and we are being hailed as a beacon of hope on the African continent but I believe the level polarization has again increased as wounds have been created, enemies made on each side and we are acting as if everything is okay and we going to have an all inclusive government for the next four years.

Yes, big party officials in the opposition can be given positions in government and other high places so that they can also contribute to the development of the country but the religious and emotional supporter on the street is stills hurt and living silently in pain waiting to explode.

The long and short of it all is that Ghana is sitting on a time bomb which could explode in 2016. We are not insolated against anarchy as a country. I am therefore calling on the President of the day, religious leaders and all who have the interest of Ghana at heart to start healing wounds that have been created in the streets and among the people over the years.

The campaign for peace before and after the 2016 elections should start from now. I don't know how it is going to be done but it must be done and I believe our leaders and elders in our society are well positioned and equipped to act.

The manner in which politics is done in Ghana must change for Ghana to survive in the coming years. The time to start is now; we may not have the opportunity to save Ghana if we become complacent and pretend all is well.

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