Prioritise Peace, Womanhood and the Youth!

The 2012 presidential election was seen by many as a significant moment for Ghana. As such, it was not surprising that it was described as a new chapter in African affairs. Even the challenges, technical glitches and so forth could not deny Ghana this moment. This analysis, of course, is not what those who are hung a system where the 'winner-takes-all' wanted to hear. For this article, however, it was even more poignant that the 2012 election should assert peace, women and youth as key issues. Indeed, it goes on to argue that the prioritisation of these is critical to intensify Ghana's quest for its own brand of democracy.

Ghanaian commentators, like their foreign counterparts, were spot-on in their synopsis that the said election was a relatively peaceful affair. The country also came up trumps in its promise of a fitting tribute to Atta Mills' legacy. Due to the global downturn, infrastructural development, quick-fixes or economic miracles and so forth were not the only issues at stake. Well meaning Ghanaians, with a world audience to consider, above all wanted the election to pass off peacefully. With the Ivory Coast experience still fresh, this meant taking a dim view of divisive politics and talk of winning at all costs.

The fact that peace reigned even when the situation was tested underscores the upbeat tone of this article as does the way issues affecting women were tabled and debated. Remnants of Ghana's colonial past having evolved a political system that is male-dominated now make this fundamental as an acid test of the country's democracy. Along with the focus on peace and the challenges affecting the youth, the 2012 election communicated a point of criticality which for this article proved to be the crunch for Ghanaians when it came to the candidacy of the so-called 'big two' John Mahama and Nana Akufo-Addo.

Taking note of where Ghana currently sits, democratically and demographically, the shift towards a youthful 'political mix' and no-nonsense approach could not be overlooked. Hassan Ayariga's bold bid has to be examined within this context. Even more so, his use of humour during debate organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IAE) was timely in the face of certain machinations to incite tensions on the campaign front. Soon afterwards, the 'all-die, be-die' and 'power-at-all costs' diatribe was given the red card to show that Ghana is not a 'cut and paste' democracy but a progressive one with an attentive and well-informed audience.

Onto the results, the fact that the National Progressive Party (NPP) won two regions in comparison to the domination of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the others said a lot. Whether, of course, this justifies a constitutional review to invigorate the system remains to be seen. Politically, however, Ghanaians in their 'fondness of peace' particularly are speaking a new language, hence, the notion of partnership rather than partisanship. Even more so, this is where they hope the difference will be made. As things stand, Mahama's cool, calm and collective approach is just the ticket to propel the country to the next level of development.

The 2012 election, moreover, was a sharp reminder and perhaps painful one for some that the state of play where the state apparatus and assets are handled like personal properties or elitist ventures is untenable. Moreover, the narrow gap between the two main parties cannot overshadow this fact. Ghanaians deserve a system of democracy that is relevant to their daily lives, hence, how things must shape out in the future. The issues highlighted, as such, are not exhaustive. But in the context of what Ghana's democracy signifies for Africa, their ramifications are far-reaching, hence, the urgency attached by this article.

The writer is an educationalist, development strategist and consultant particularly known for his work in the areas of community development. Richmond, an advocator of racial justice, has operated at all levels. He is an accomplished and published writer, and has had articles in the Voice, Pride Magazine and The Northern Journal notwithstanding his contribution in the book Black Families in Britain as the Site of Struggle, published by the Manchester University Press. In June 2005 Richmond, assisted by a group of friends won a landmark 'race' discrimination case against Serco. He sports post-graduate qualifications in management and teaching including an MBA from the Bradford School of Management and also enjoys a successful career in the music business.