Vigilance and Unity: Key to Maintaining Ghana’s Justice and Freedom – John Mahama

As the United States approaches its presidential election in November, the stakes have never been higher. The intense political rhetoric on both sides of the Democratic and Republican divide reflects this tension.

While the US sits on a knife edge, an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has complicated an already tense political atmosphere. The incident, still under investigation for motive, demonstrates the potential outturn of intense electoral passions, even in the world’s most powerful democracy.

The events in Pennsylvania prompt reflection on the upcoming elections in our country and what we must do to ensure free, peaceful elections and a smooth transition.

Ghana’s competitive advantage rests on three main pillars: its people, its bountiful natural resources, and its adherence to the motto of Freedom and Justice.

The first two are endowments given to us by the Almighty God—hardworking and peaceful people who deserve a better life and rich, varied natural resources that should bring prosperity to many, not just a few.

However, justice and freedom are constructs that we must preserve ourselves. We are often admired by our African neighbors as a beacon of democracy, encapsulating the principles of justice and freedom.

We bask in the accolades but must remember that justice and freedom require constant vigilance. As a people, we must work continuously to protect these precious possessions.

This is why I continue to advocate for peace and decorum in our political discourse, especially in the lead-up to high-stakes elections such as those in December. Our nation is stronger in its diversity, and we must never forget that our common objective is a peaceful and prosperous Ghana.

Resetting our nation, rebuilding our shattered economy, strengthening our currency, supporting our farmers, reducing the burden of taxes, and creating decent, well-paid jobs for our young people are complex agendas that require our united and undivided attention.

Free elections that allow our people to express their sovereign will are essential for sustaining justice and freedom in Ghana. This is why I persistently raise the red flag whenever I observe actions that have the potential to subvert our people’s sovereign will.

The politicisation of the Electoral Commission, the Supreme Court, and other state institutions involved in the December elections under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration are developments that do not inspire confidence that the will of the people will prevail.

To paraphrase Shakespeare, this world is a stage, and we all are actors who come on stage, play different roles, and disappear after our acts are over. This overbearing attitude and delusions of grandeur, which make some believe that this nation is a personal possession bequeathed to them, have no place in our politics.

We shall all come and go, but the nation of Ghana will remain forever and pass on to generations yet unborn. Ghana is not our personal possession, just as it was not that of our ancestors. It belongs to all of us and the many who will come after us.

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John Dramani Mahama is a former President of Ghana and leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
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