In the Hausa language, the phrase “Duka Daya,” meaning “one and the same”, or simply, the same” aptly describes the two dominant political parties: the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Over the past decades, these parties have alternated power, leaving many Ghanaians disillusioned with their repetitive and unfulfilled promises.
Both the NPP and NDC have a history of making grand promises during their campaigns, pledging more than they can realistically deliver. Despite being aware of the country’s significant debt and financial constraints, they continue to make unrealistic promises.
For instance, during the 2020 elections, both parties made ambitious commitments to infrastructure development and job creation, yet the reality often falls short. This has led to widespread disillusionment among voters, who feel betrayed by the repetitive cycle of unfulfilled pledges.
A recurring issue with both parties is the presentation of manifestos filled with unrealistic promises. These manifestos often compare Ghana’s potential developments with those in stable, developed countries like the United States and Germany, without acknowledging the vast differences in economic stability and governance. It is essential for political parties to set realistic and achievable goals that can genuinely benefit the country rather than aiming for unattainable targets.
Another factor that cements the perception of NPP and NDC as “Duka Daya” is their tendency to abandon projects initiated by their predecessors. When one party comes into power, they often neglect or scrap projects started by the previous administration. This results in wasted resources and unfinished infrastructure that could have benefited the nation. For example, the uncompleted health facilities and educational institutions scattered across the country are stark reminders of this wasteful practice.
Regardless of which party is in power, issues of corruption and arrogance quickly surface. Both parties have been embroiled in numerous corruption scandals, with members accused of embezzling state funds or engaging in unethical practices. During elections, they expose each other’s corrupt activities, but once in power, little to no action is taken to hold the accused accountable. This culture of impunity further erodes public trust in the political system.
Poor accountability is another significant issue plaguing both parties. They often fail to account for their actions and the use of state resources, leading to widespread mistrust. Additionally, both parties exhibit a reluctance to apologize or admit mistakes, feeling too big to apologize. This arrogance alienates them further from the electorate.
When in power, neither party seems to truly see the plight of Ghanaians. They only realise and acknowledge these struggles when they are in opposition, using them as talking points to gain votes. The real basic needs of the people—schools, hospitals, water, roads, electricity, sanitation, transport, and security—are often unmet, yet both parties continue to make grandiose promises of turning Ghana into a developed country.
Both NPP and NDC are more talkers than listeners. They spend more time making speeches and promises than actually listening to the concerns and needs of the people. This disconnect leads to policies that are out of touch with the reality of everyday Ghanaians.
For the past 32 years, NPP and NDC have dominated Ghanaian politics, often playing a metaphorical game of ‘chas-ke-le’ (an old local Ghanaian bat-and-ball game) with the electorate. Each party promises change and improvement, only to disappoint once in office. This has created a yearning among Ghanaians for a viable third-party alternative.
It is my belief that if the smaller political parties could set aside their individual ambitions and unite, they could present a formidable challenge to the dominance of NPP and NDC. A strong third party could provide the stiff competition needed to break the cycle of deceptive campaigns and hollow promises. This would not only offer more options to voters but also push the major parties to be more accountable and responsive to the needs of the people.
For Ghana to progress, it is imperative for voters to demand accountability and for smaller parties to unite and offer a viable alternative. The cycle of broken promises and uncompleted projects must end. Ghanaians deserve leaders who prioritise the nation’s development over political gains, ensuring that governance is truly about service to the nation and its people.
Nicholas Nibetol Aazine, SVD
Coordinator: Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
Member of the Society of Divine Word (SVD) Ghana Province
A Catholic Missionary Society Serving God through Humanity
Email: nicholasbetol@gmail.com
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