The Price of Power: Nana Ohene Ntow on the NPP and the Ghanaian Electorate

Nana Ohene Ntow, a former General Secretary of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), has issued a stark warning about the consequences of electing a party perceived to be corrupt and arrogant. His assertion, delivered with the gravity of someone intimately familiar with the inner workings of the party, is that if the people of Ghana had voted for the NPP despite evidence of corruption and an abuse of power, it would have emboldened the party to foster a profound disrespect for the Ghanaian electorate.

This statement, though controversial, speaks to a crucial element often overlooked in the dynamics of Ghanaian politics: the responsibility of the voter. While the focus frequently rests on the actions of the ruling party, Ntow subtly shifts the lens, highlighting the role the electorate plays in shaping the behaviour of those they elect. He argues, implicitly, that a permissive electorate – one that consistently overlooks or tolerates corruption and arrogance – creates an environment where these behaviours are not only tolerated but ultimately rewarded.

The implication is far-reaching. If a ruling party believes it can act with impunity, indulging in corruption and exhibiting arrogance towards the citizenry, without fear of electoral consequence, it is inherently incentivised to continue, and even escalate, these practices. The democratic process, in such a scenario, becomes a sham, a mere formality devoid of real accountability. The will of the people, rather than guiding the actions of the government, is actively disregarded, leading to a cycle of disillusionment and further erosion of public trust.

Ntow’s statement is not simply a criticism of the NPP’s conduct. It’s a call for greater civic engagement and a more discerning electorate. He suggests that the act of voting is not a passive one; it’s a powerful tool with tangible consequences. Casting a ballot for a party despite its demonstrated shortcomings is not just a missed opportunity for positive change; it’s an active endorsement of its behaviour.

The Ghanaian electorate faces a difficult choice. The allure of party loyalty, tribal affiliations, and promises of economic prosperity can often overshadow concerns about corruption and governance. Yet, Ntow’s warning serves as a potent reminder that such considerations must not be sidelined. A focus solely on short-term gains, while ignoring the long-term damage of unchecked power and corruption, is a recipe for political stagnation and societal decline.

This statement prompts further reflection on the very nature of democratic governance. It highlights the inherent power vested in the voter and the critical role played by an informed and engaged citizenry. The health of any democracy hinges on its ability to hold its leaders accountable. If the people repeatedly choose to overlook or forgive transgressions, the path to authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic principles becomes significantly easier to traverse.

Ultimately, Nana Ohene Ntow’s words serve as a cautionary tale, not just for the NPP, but for all political parties in Ghana and beyond. It’s a reminder that the responsibility for good governance rests not solely on the shoulders of those in power, but also, and perhaps more fundamentally, on the shoulders of the electorate. The choice, therefore, is clear: actively participate in shaping the future, demanding accountability, and rejecting complacency; or passively accept the consequences of unchecked power and corruption. The future of Ghanaian democracy rests on this crucial decision.

Anthony Obeng Afrane