Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh of CDD
The December 7, 2024, general elections are now part of Ghana’s history, but the lessons they’ve offered are far from forgotten. Renowned Lawyer and political commentator H. Kwasi Prempeh has outlined 20 striking takeaways that expose voter sentiments, political miscalculations, and the evolving dynamics of Ghana’s electoral landscape.
Here are the key highlights from his analysis:
1. Money Can’t Buy Votes – Ghanaians proved savvy, accepting freebies but voting with their conscience.
2. Pride Falls Hard – Arrogance was met with resounding rejection at the ballot box.
3. Ghanaians Outsmart the Smart – The electorate channelled their inner Kwaku Ananse, outwitting political tricksters.
4. Respect Matters – Voters turned their backs on those who insulted or disrespected them.
5. Power Isn’t Wisdom – Holding office doesn’t automatically equate to good judgment.
6. Damaged Brands Kill Candidacies – Even the best candidates couldn’t survive toxic party affiliations.
7. Beware the Echo Chamber – Politicians who ignored voices outside their loyal base faced reality.
8. Swing Voters Dominate – Ghana’s electorate has shifted from partisanship to pragmatism.
9. Public Opinion Trumps Court Wins – Some legal victories turned out to be Pyrrhic in the eyes of voters.
10. It’s More Than the Economy – While critical, good governance remains equally vital.
11. Free SHS Lost Its Shine – Once hailed as a game-changer, it no longer swayed votes.
12. Data Speaks – Dismissing Afrobarometer reports was a costly mistake.
13. All Politics is Personal – Voters cared deeply about how policies impacted their daily lives.
14. Fear Mongering Fizzled – Scare tactics failed to resonate with the modern voter.
15. Practice What You Preach – Campaign humility must translate into governance humility.
16. The People Want Real Change – A simple upgrade won’t suffice; a full reset is needed.
17. Breaking the 8 is Earned – Exceptional governance is the key to achieving this political milestone.
18. Neutrals Hold Sway – Unbiased voices carried more weight than partisan spin.
19. Rebranding Needs to Inspire – Political rebranding should aim higher, not lower.
20. Accra Isn’t Ghana, But It’s Close – Accra’s dynamics still largely reflect the national mood.
These lessons underscore a clear message: Ghanaian voters are demanding authenticity, respect, and results. Politicians can no longer rely on old tricks to secure victory. The electorate has matured, and the path to power now requires humility, competence, and meaningful change.
As the dust settles, the December 7 elections will likely be remembered as a turning point, shaping the strategies of future campaigns and leaders. Will the political class learn these lessons, or will history repeat itself? Only time will tell.
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