The Role of Political Manifestos: A promise or a ploy, the case of election 2024

By Joseph Bagah, Senior Assistant Registrar, SDD-UBIDS, WA

As the 2024 election approaches, political parties have unveiled their manifestos, outlining their vision and plans for the country. 

However, do these manifestos truly reflect the parties’ commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians and the development of Ghana? Or are they just a cleverly crafted ploy to deceive the people and win votes?

A critical analysis of the manifestos reveals a worrying trend. While they promise to address pressing issues such as unemployment, poverty and infrastructure deficit, they fail to provide concrete details on how these promises will be achieved. They conveniently leave out crucial sectors such as gold and oil, which could be leveraged to drive development and improve the lives of Ghanaians. For instance, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) manifesto promises to “create jobs and stimulate economic growth” but fails to provide specific strategies for achieving this goal. 

Similarly, the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) manifesto vows to “improve the living standards of Ghanaians” but does not outline concrete measures for addressing the country’s poverty and inequality challenges. 

The absence of topics on gold and oil from the manifestos is particularly striking.Ghana is richly endowed with these resources and many others, yet they are largely exploited by foreign nationals, with minimal or no benefits accruing to the local population. Why have the political parties failed to include plans for harnessing these resources to drive development and improve the welfare or livelihoods of Ghanaians? The manifestos are mere promises, but their fulfillment is what matters. The people of Ghana deserve more than just promises.

For some people, these promises are mere theoretic and empty, rather, Ghanaians deserve concrete plans and actions that will improve their lives. The changes in manifestos from one election to another also raise questions. Are they a genuine attempt to respond to the changing needs of the people, or are they simply a tactical ploy to win votes? Can the political parties truly change their spots and deliver on their promises? The role of political manifestos is crucial in shaping the direction of the country.  They must be concrete plans for action, growth, and development.

The manifestos should not be seen as a one-time event, but rather as a continuous process of engagement with the people, who need fulfillment in many areas of their lives.

The political parties must be willing to listen to the concerns of the people and adapt their manifestos accordingly, for the voice of the people is the voice of God.” 

The people’s voices must be heard and their concerns addressed. The manifestos should be based on a thorough analysis of the country’s challenges and opportunities, grounded in reality, and not just a collection of lofty promises.

They must be built on solid foundations of research and analysis and costed and funding sources identified. The people of Ghana must be able to hold the political parties accountable for their promises, monitor them to ensure, that they deliver on their promises. Furthermore, the manifestos should be inclusive, participatory, transparent and accountable and also be monitored and evaluated. The political parties must engage with all stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, and the public. 

As the saying goes, “when spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.” The manifestos should be flexible and adaptable, where the political parties are willing to adjust their promises in response to changing circumstances. They should be based on a long-term vision for the country, guided by a sense of patriotism, a commitment to the well-being of all Ghanaians, and be based on a thorough understanding of the country’s history and culture. 

The political parties must be willing to think beyond the next election, plan for the future, and be transparent in their dealings and decision-making processes.

The parties must understand the country’s strengths and weaknesses and past, in order to plan accordingly for its future, guided by a sense of justice and fairness. These parties must be committed to creating a just and fair society, where all citizens have equal opportunities to thrive. In the end, it is up to the people of Ghana to hold the political parties accountable for their promises, be vigilant, and demand that the parties deliver on their promises for themselves and the country. 

In the words of Osagyefo Doctor Kwame Nkrumah, “the destiny of Ghana is in the hands of Ghanaians.” 

Therefore, the people of Ghana must stand united and work towards creating a prosperous and peaceful society.

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