The thumb that lifts can also bring down 

By Prof. Douglas Boateng

The thumb has spoken, and with it, a new chapter in Ghana’s democratic story begins. Elections are the people’s ultimate voice, a reminder that power is not seized but granted by the collective will. Gracefully congratulating the victor is not merely a gesture of civility; it is a profound act of patriotism, a commitment to putting Ghana first.

This moment reminds us of an Akan proverb: “When the elephant walks through the forest, it does not trample all the trees.” In the heat of political contests, we may differ, but our shared roots as Ghanaians remain unbroken. The peaceful and transparent nature of this election reaffirms our collective maturity and strengthens our position as a beacon of democracy in Africa.

Yet, victory is not an end but a beginning, a responsibility. Leadership is like a river that quenches the thirst of those downstream. If it runs dry or becomes polluted, the people suffer. Those entrusted with power must remember: the same thumb that grants authority can revoke it if promises remain unfulfilled. Time is fleeting, the challenges are many, and the road ahead demands humility, focus, and diligence.

TO ALL POLITICAL ACTORS AND THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION, COMMENDATIONS ARE IN ORDER

Ghana has once again demonstrated the strength of its democratic foundation. While many nations struggle with political instability, we have proven that democracy, when nurtured, can thrive. But this success is not the achievement of any single entity; it is the collective effort of institutions, political actors, and, most importantly, the people.

• The Electoral Commission: Like the roots of a great tree, the EC has upheld the integrity of our democratic system with professionalism and impartiality. By ensuring transparency, they have strengthened public trust in the process.
• The Political Actors: Leaders across the spectrum have shown restraint and respect for the democratic process, ensuring disputes were resolved with dialogue rather than division.
• The Citizens: Above all, the people of Ghana deserve praise. They have demonstrated patience, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to democracy. As the Ewe proverb says, “The footpath to the well is never forgotten by the thirsty.” The people have spoken through their thumbs, and their decision must be respected.

VICTORY COMES WITH RESPONSIBILITY

Victory in an election is not a trophy but a sacred trust. Leadership is not an entitlement; it is a service to the people. As the Akan wisely say, “The stool is not for the one who sits on it; it belongs to the people who lift it up.”

To the victorious, the message is clear: leadership is borrowed, not owned. The people expect solutions to their pressing challenges, not excuses. Governance must be swift, focused, and impactful because the clock is already ticking.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING

Time waits for no leader. Four years in office may feel like an eternity during campaigns, but it quickly becomes a race against time. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step,” but that step must be taken decisively. Every delayed project, every unfulfilled promise, every ignored community becomes a weight dragging down a leader’s legacy.

• Youth Unemployment: Ghana’s greatest asset is its youth, brimming with potential yet held back by a lack of opportunities. Addressing unemployment is not just an economic challenge; it is a moral responsibility. “The chicken learns to scratch because the mother shows it how.” Our leaders must empower the youth by creating sustainable jobs and skill-building opportunities.

• Industrialisation: For decades, Ghana has exported raw materials while importing finished goods. This dependency stifles our economy and exports jobs. The time has come to invest in industries that process cocoa, gold, and bauxite locally, ensuring that the wealth of our land benefits our people.

• Infrastructure and Social Services: A nation cannot thrive if its roads are impassable, its schools are inadequate, and its hospitals are under-resourced. Development must reach every corner of Ghana, ensuring no community is left behind. As the Akan say, “The stick a man steps on while walking may be the one that saves him from falling.”

THE WARNING SIGNS ARE CLEAR

Leadership is a privilege but also a test. The thumb has delivered a mandate, but it comes with conditions. The people’s trust is conditional—if it is betrayed, it will not be easily regained.

• Deliver Results, Not Rhetoric: Campaign promises are not empty words; they are contracts with the people. Leaders must act quickly and decisively to address bread-and-butter issues that affect everyday lives.

• Foster Transparency and Accountability: The electorate will not tolerate corruption or inefficiency. Public resources must be used for public good, with leaders remaining accountable for their actions. “When the lizard nods, it is not always in agreement; sometimes it is a warning.”

• Listen to the People: Leadership is about serving, not dictating. Engaging communities, hearing their concerns, and adapting policies to their realities is essential for maintaining trust.

A LESSON FOR ALL: THE STRENGTH OF DEMOCRACY

Democracy’s strength lies in its ability to accommodate both victory and loss. “When the rain falls, it does not choose which roof to wet.” Every election comes with winners and losers, but the true test is how both handle their roles.

TO THE OPPOSITION:

Defeat is not an end; it is an opportunity for reflection. As the Akan say, “The one who falls learns where the ground is slippery.” Instead of assigning blame, opposition leaders must ask themselves hard questions:

• Why did we lose?
• Were our policies disconnected from the people’s realities?
• Did we listen enough, or did we only speak?

True leaders use defeat as a stepping stone, recalibrating and building stronger connections with the electorate. A credible opposition is not an enemy of progress; it is a cornerstone of democracy.

TO THE VICTORS:

Victory is not a license to rule but an invitation to serve. Let it be a reminder that power is temporary. The same electorate celebrating today can reject tomorrow if promises are unfulfilled. Leadership must be guided by humility, inclusiveness, and the unwavering focus on national development.

A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Ghana’s challenges cannot be tackled by one leader or one party alone. “When the fire burns, it spares no one’s roof.” The economic pressures, unemployment, and infrastructural deficits we face are collective issues that require collective solutions.

• Collaboration Over Division: Opposition leaders must criticise constructively, while those in power must remain open to dialogue. Together, leaders must prioritise the people’s welfare above partisanship.

• Citizens as Active Participants: Democracy does not end with casting a vote. Every citizen has a role to play in holding leaders accountable, contributing to national development, and fostering unity.

FOR IN THE END, DEMOCRACY IS ABOUT THE PEOPLE

As the thumb speaks, it reminds us of our shared responsibility to shape the future of Ghana. Leaders must govern with humility, knowing that their time in power is fleeting. Citizens must remain vigilant, ensuring that promises are kept and progress is made.

The peaceful conclusion of this election is a victory for Ghana, but the real work begins now. Let us rise above political divisions and embrace the spirit of collaboration. Together, we can build a nation that prioritises progress over politics and unity over partisanship.

The thumb has spoken! May its message guide us toward a brighter future for Ghana.

More stories here