In the wake of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) electoral victory in Ghana, the streets erupted in celebration as supporters of the party filled the air with chants of triumph. It was a moment of joy for many, who felt their voices had been heard and their hopes restored after years of what they considered mismanagement under the New Patriotic Party (NPP). However, amid the jubilation, a troubling trend has emerged—one of vandalism and the unlawful seizure of state assets by some of these supporters. This disconcerting behavior casts a shadow over the victory and calls into question the direction in which Ghana is headed.
The NDC’s win can be attributed to a combination of factors, but most notably, it was a rejection of the NPP’s perceived arrogance of power. The people of Ghana have spoken, but it is crucial to understand that their choice was not necessarily a direct endorsement of the NDC’s platform or leadership alone. Instead, it was largely a protest vote against the NPP, whose tenure had been marred by allegations of corruption, poor economic management, and a general sense that the party had become out of touch with the needs of the people.
The Ghanaian electorate, often pragmatic and discerning, voted for change. Their decision was not just about replacing one political party with another, but about sending a strong message: that leadership should be accountable, humble, and responsive to the needs of the ordinary citizen. Voters, frustrated by rising living costs, increasing unemployment, and the general sense of neglect, saw in the NDC a glimmer of hope for better governance. In this context, their victory was, in many ways, a statement of protest, a call for a fresh start, and a chance for the NDC to demonstrate that it could do better than the NPP.
However, as the NDC supporters celebrate their triumph, it is vital for them to reflect on the importance of humility and restraint. The scenes of destruction and the unlawful occupation of state property in some parts of the country paint a troubling picture. These actions, while perhaps an expression of the euphoria of victory, are not the actions of responsible citizens or leaders. The people of Ghana voted for a change in leadership, not for a descent into chaos or lawlessness.
The NDC, now tasked with guiding the nation forward, must lead by example. The party’s leadership must urge its supporters to celebrate with respect, dignity, and above all, within the bounds of the law. Vandalism and the unlawful appropriation of state assets only serve to undermine the legitimacy of the electoral victory and diminish the democratic process. As a party that has now been entrusted with the mandate of the people, the NDC has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, promote national unity, and demonstrate the competence and maturity that the people expect from their leaders.
It is also important to remember that a victory in an election does not grant anyone carte blanche to act outside the law. Rather, it is an opportunity to demonstrate to the people that their trust is well-placed. The NDC must show that it can rise above the mistakes of the past and provide the competent, transparent, and responsive governance that the people voted for.
In the coming days, as the nation settles into this new political reality, there must be a concerted effort to heal any divides that may have been exacerbated during the election campaign. The political rhetoric, at times divisive and heated, should be replaced with dialogue, understanding, and collaboration. Ghana’s challenges are immense—economic recovery, social development, and national cohesion are all issues that require collective effort, not political one-upmanship.
The NDC’s victory should be a moment for all Ghanaians to come together, regardless of political affiliation, and work towards a prosperous and stable future. The nation has spoken, and the message is clear: competent leadership is the demand, and arrogance of power is unacceptable. As the NDC begins the journey of governance, it is crucial for the party to focus on addressing the needs of the people with humility and dedication, keeping in mind that this victory is not just a win for the party, but a mandate to serve the entire nation.
In conclusion, while the NDC’s victory represents a significant shift in Ghanaian politics, it also comes with a tremendous responsibility. The party and its supporters must now demonstrate maturity and wisdom, celebrating with modesty and honoring the democratic process that brought them to power. By doing so, they can truly fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the Ghanaian people, and work to ensure that future electoral victories are marked not just by the triumph of a political party, but by the strength and unity of the nation as a whole.
The writer, Solomon Sasu- Mensah is PHD student at the University Of Professional Studies , Accra , Studying Interdisciplinary Studies in Public Policy and Social Change
