We are already in the Election Year and come November, Ghanaians will once again be given the opportunity to decide which Political Party will direct the affairs of the nation for the next four years.
Now that the scene is set, presidential aspirants of the various political parties would seriously market themselves to take over or retain power.
As we are all aware, President John Dramani Mahama, has been re-elected to lead the governing National democratic Congress (NDC) while the largest opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has also re-elected Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo to lead the party in the 2016 race.
The People National Convention (PNC) has already chosen Dr. Edward Mahama as its Presidential Candidate.
The choice of leaders for the various Political Parties clearly indicates that this year’s election will be keenly contested for.
The Catholic Standard commends all the Parties that have so far elected their Presidential Candidates and call on them to conduct themselves in the best possible manner to win public confidence and votes. They must concentrate on issues and on what would improve the living standards of the people and the economy rather than attacking personalities during their campaigning.
All the Presidential Aspirants have a common vision to become the president of Ghana and work for continued development of the economy and they can only succeed in this task with the co-operation and support of all Ghanaians.
The key issues in November elections should include the approaches the political parties plan to adapt in tackling the problems of poverty, unemployment, housing deficit, agriculture, health, indiscipline, water, disasters, flood and the power crises in the country.
This does not exclude the economy and the solutions the parties have in upgrading the countries Educational and Health Institutions as well as ensuring realistic wage for workers.
No doubt Ghana has made some strides in her democratic dispensation, especially in the past 24 years, but the litmus test of her maturity would be the peaceful manner in which the November elections will be conducted.
A high degree of tolerance would be needed by all the political parties contesting the elections, as intolerance would only lead the nation into chaos, reversing the country’s gains in its democratic process.
We remind Ghanaians to be guided by the negative events in our Sub-Region which have plunged several countries into turmoil. It is only through dialogue that lasting peace can endure.
The Media also have crucial roles to play in ensuring that the public make intelligent decision in the elections.
In our view, we can do this by broadening the level of public discussions and debates, and the Media giving adequate, fair and balance coverage to all contesting political parties.
The public must also be given access to the range of views held by Political Parties.
The Catholic Standard reminds all Ghanaians that elections are the linchpin of many democracies. They are the means by which citizens choose their political leaders to govern them.
This is why Ghanaians, should on November 7 choose wisely development-oriented leaders and a Political Party with a vision to steer the affairs of the nation effectively. A leader for all and not for any section of the populace is what the nation needs.
It is our hope that whoever becomes the next President of Ghana will be God-fearing and caring, so that Ghana can continue to move forward.
