The Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) has emphasized the need for citizens to demand solutions to Ghana’s economic challenges.
The Institute believes this will enrich the country’s democratic culture ahead of the December elections.
Speaking at a forum organised by the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), the Executive Director of IDEG, Dr Emmanuel Akwetey said the campaign period ahead of the elections, provides a great opportunity for Ghanaians to hold both those in power and prospective leaders to account for policy propositions.
He therefore stressed the need for the citizenry to use public spaces as mediums for public discourse on crucial issues facing the country.
“It is essentially the time that the public space is extensively opened up. Almost every part of the country is a public space because we go there to discuss public policies whether it is education, health, employment, sanitation, roads or jobs. We want the leaders we elect to think about or propose to us how these issues will be dealt with,” he said.
Politicians must be accountable
Dr. Akwetey’s comments come months after the US Ambassador to Ghana, Robert Jackson urged Ghanaian voters to demand accountability from political party leaders seeking their mandate in this year’s election.
He fears the country risks suffering at the hands of leaders who do not demonstrate commitment to fulfilling their campaign promises.
“I encourage you to educate yourselves about the issues and demand that candidates talk about them; creating jobs, abolishing modern day slavery, fighting corruption, promoting decentralization, providing quality education, healthcare and infrastructure. It is up to you to vote for your Ghana. On election day, some will win and some will lose. Regardless of how your candidate or party fares, we all win when peace and transparency prevails.”
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