Professor Godfred Bokpin critiques Ghana’s democracy as one driven by unfulfilled promises, cautioning voters about potential disappointments from political parties’ manifestos ahead of the 2024 elections. Notably, he highlights the limitations in fiscal capacity that hinder the realization of various policies, including the Free SHS initiative, which, while increasing enrollment, has failed to enhance the quality of education.
Professor Godfred Bokpin, a lecturer of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School, has emphatically described Ghana’s democracy as characterized by a prevalent culture of unfulfilled promises. With the impending 2024 elections approaching, political parties have rolled out their manifestos, igniting significant discourse among the electorate. Notably, one of the highlighted policies is the proposed “24 Hour-economy” initiative suggested by former President John Dramani Mahama. In a recent interview on Starr Morning with Naa Dedei Tettey, Professor Bokpin articulated the concern that political parties often pledge numerous initiatives to the public, yet they possess an awareness of the limited financial capacity required to realize these promises once they assume office. He advised the electorate to remain vigilant about the potential disillusionment that may arise from these unattainable commitments. He observed, “Our democracy is one of a politics of promises. It is politics of promises. And Ghanaians should be very careful because disappointment lies ahead. We don’t have the fiscal space to implement a number of the proposals that the political parties have put out there. They cannot, and they know.” The Professor emphasized the tendency within the political landscape to avoid admitting the harsh fiscal realities, noting that accountability in terms of the promised quantity and quality is rarely enforced by the electorate. Moreover, Professor Bokpin addressed the implications of policies such as the Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative, which, while having increased enrollment figures significantly, has not necessarily translated to improvements in educational quality. He pointed out that achievements in quantity do not equate to satisfactory standards of education, stating, “We may have checked the box in terms of quantity. But that alone is not sufficient.”
The discourse surrounding Ghana’s democratic framework often highlights the disparity between political promises and actual governance outcomes. As the nation approaches its 2024 elections, an array of manifestos from competing parties is spurring dialogue about the viability of proposed policies. Insights from academic authorities, such as Professor Godfred Bokpin, reflect a critical analysis of how financial constraints impede the realization of these popular policies, bringing to light the challenges of accountability within the electoral process.
In summary, Professor Godfred Bokpin has shed light on the inherent weaknesses of Ghana’s democratic practices, characterized by an abundance of unkept promises made by political parties. His observations urge the electorate to approach these promises with caution, considering the financial realities that national governance faces. The professor’s critique of educational policies further underscores the necessity for quality over mere quantitative achievements in policymaking. Thus, as Ghana gears up for its elections, the dialogue around fiscal responsibility and accountability will be crucial in shaping the country’s democratic future.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
