Dr. Papa Kwesi Ndoum, founder of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), has warned that Ghana’s economic prospects could dwindle after the 2016 general elections if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) does not change its attitude of using public funds to finance its campaign.
He said, “Judging by the preparation for the aborted by-election in Wulensi in 2012, the disputed general election in 2012 and the recent by-election in Talensi, the 2016 elections can destroy the moral fabric, economic prospects and democratic credentials of our country if the political parties, particularly the ruling NDC does not change the habit of using the public purse to largely finance its campaign.”
The 2012 flagbearer of the PPP, who was speaking at a press conference in Accra yesterday on the theme, ‘2016 elections-violence, tribalism and stealing equals poverty,’ said election year spending by governments in the Fourth Republic has put the country’s economy at risk and collapsed many businesses.
Talensi Dress Rehearsal
“Based on what I saw in Talensi, the Mahama administration is on course to repeat the excessive spending in election year 2016 and bring back problems for all of us and whoever wins the election. If as President Mahama said Talensi ends up to be a dress rehearsal for 2016, then God save Ghana.
“I want to be wrong on this, but if you are a business person, I suggest to you to start right now and brace yourself for a rough 2017,” he said.
The unfairness in Ghana’s elections starts way before the actual elections and continues to election day, Dr. Ndoum indicated.
He accused election observers of becoming another element of cover-up for stealing and bribery.
“I am afraid for Ghana…I am not afraid about how the PPP will fare in the 2016 elections rather I am worried about what will happen to Ghana during and after the 2016 elections.
“I am convinced now more than ever that politics of intimidation, violence, abuse of incumbency, the use of our tax money by the party in power, tribalism and vote stealing, if continued to 2016 and beyond, will condemn and entrench the majority of our people in poverty in all its forms – poor housing, bad health, short lifespan, inferior education, disease and unemployment,” he said.
“What type of democracy do we have that allows some political parties to act with impunity, cheat and divide the same people they want to rule, he quizzed.
Centralization Of Powers
According to him, “It is this problem of excessive centralization of powers that is dragging our country more and more to become a habitual below expectation performer.
Dr. Ndoum also condemned the desperation for power in the country.
“But some of us also know how to buy guns, bows and arrows. We know where poor, hungry and desperate people are who do not care what happens to them today.
“If some people can raise an Azorka Army and others Bolga Bull Dogs, what happens if those of us who have disciplined ourselves so far decide to raise the Sea Lions for counter attack? What happens when the silent sufferers decide that enough is enough. Is this what the Minister of Interior was promoting when he said “violence begets violence?” he said.
Amendment Of Constitution
Dr. Ndoum called for a coalition of independent-minded people and political parties that would agree to amend the constitution to give power back to the people so they can elect their own DCEs, reduce the powers of the President, provide free, compulsory and continuous education to every child and check corruption.
“Should this coalition happen, I can willingly take a backseat if that is what is needed for us to be successful. Ghana is more important than the ambition of any one of us,” he said.
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