Ghanaian writer Joel Savage has raised concerns about the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) threat to rig the 2028 elections. In an article, Savage, who is not affiliated with any political party, warned that the NPP's actions over the past eight years have weakened Ghana's democracy. He described the party's governance as a period of "destructive governance, collapsing institutions, bankrupting state agencies, and enabling corruption on a scale never witnessed before."
Savage accused the NPP of behaving like a "National Plundering Party" and cited examples of corruption, including the freezing of Ghana's embassy accounts in Brussels due to money laundering concerns. He also mentioned the party's reckless policies, which pushed pensioners into despair and forced elderly citizens to protest for their own savings. The writer emphasized that Ghana cannot afford another cycle of destruction under the NPP.
The NPP's leadership has openly boasted about winning the 2028 elections by any means, a statement that many Ghanaians interpret as a threat of electoral manipulation. Savage noted that under former President Akufo-Addo, the party normalized the idea that political power is something to be seized, not earned. He also highlighted the party's refusal to show remorse for its actions, instead speaking with arrogance.
Savage emphasized that President Mahama must take the threat of electoral manipulation seriously and begin preparations to prevent it now. He cited the importance of replacing Jean Mensa, the current head of the Electoral Commission, who was appointed by Akufo-Addo and presided over one of the most controversial election periods in Ghana's history. Savage described her continued presence at the Electoral Commission as a national security concern.
The writer warned that if the NPP succeeds in manipulating the 2028 elections, Ghana will face severe consequences, including the collapse of ongoing corruption investigations and the return of impunity and state capture. He also predicted economic reversal, including capital flight, rising unemployment, and a sharp increase in national debt. Internationally, Ghana risks isolation, condemnation, and diplomatic embarrassment.
Savage highlighted the risk of political violence and the permanent damage to Ghana's democracy if electoral manipulation becomes normalized. He emphasized that citizens' trust in the electoral system is essential for the country's stability and development. The writer concluded that President Mahama must prioritize electoral integrity to prevent another cycle of destruction under the NPP.
The article has sparked concerns among Ghanaians, who are worried about the potential consequences of electoral manipulation. Many have called for the Electoral Commission to be reformed and for measures to be taken to prevent electoral fraud. The issue is expected to be a major topic of discussion in the lead-up to the 2028 elections.
Key points
- The NPP's threat to rig the 2028 elections is a national security concern that must be taken seriously by President Mahama and Ghanaians.
- The party's history of corruption and electoral manipulation makes it a threat to Ghana's democracy and stability.
- Replacing Jean Mensa as head of the Electoral Commission is crucial to preventing electoral manipulation and ensuring credible elections.
