Throughout history, ordinary citizens have risen against leaders who betrayed their trust. Ancient Rome offers a striking example. The tyrannical reign of Tarquinius Superbus, Rome’s last king, ended when his abuse of power became unbearable. Tarquinius disregarded the senate, levied burdensome taxes, and sanctioned injustices to maintain control. The assault on Lucretia, a noblewoman, by Tarquinius’ son became the breaking point. Her tragic plea, “vindicate my honor,” spurred the Romans to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic, a system aimed at serving the people.
In our quest, this timeless lesson reminds us that when leaders govern with contempt, citizens can and must demand accountability. “Sic semper tyrannis”—thus always to tyrants— underscores the enduring necessity to resist oppressive rule.
Ghana’s Struggles: A Slide Toward Authoritarianism
Ghana’s democratic progress is under threat. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, initially celebrated as a champion of democracy, has overseen a worrying drift toward authoritarianism. Reports by organizations such as the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) paint a troubling picture: suppression of dissent, judicial manipulation, and media censorship.
The 2020 elections, marred by military involvement and violence, reflected a government willing to sacrifice democratic norms for power. Investigative journalists have faced harassment, undermining media freedom—a cornerstone of democracy. Such spectacle aligns with Plato’s caution in The Republic: when democracies decay, leaders prioritize power over the common good.
Strongman rule, masked as democracy, erodes institutions and fosters fear. Ghanaians must recognize this trajectory and demand better leadership before it undermines the nation’s democratic foundations.
Broken Promises: A Threat to Trust
Democracy relies on trust, but leaders who mislead voters weaken its very fabric. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s rise, built on eloquent economic promises, serves as a cautionary tale. His assurances of fiscal discipline and economic transformation have given way to crippling inflation, unsustainable debt, and public disillusionment.
As Professor Larry Diamond notes, broken promises erode public confidence in democratic systems. Bawumia’s lofty economic projections, now seen as a charade, highlight the dangers of electing leaders who value rhetoric over results. A betrayal on of this magnitude deepens skepticism and threatens the foundation of Ghana’s democracy.
The Youth’s Role: Championing an Inclusive Future
The youth of Ghana have a pivotal role in reversing this decline. It is time to reject authoritarian tendencies and embrace a vision rooted in inclusivity and accountability. Former President John Dramani Mahama offers a compelling alternative. His “Country for All” approach focuses on equitable development, institutional reform, and the restoration of trust in leadership.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in The Social Contract, observed: “The strongest is never strong enough to be always the master, unless he transforms strength into right, and obedience into duty.” Mahama’s vision seeks to rebuild that balance by prioritizing the collective good over individual power. Ghana’s youth must rally to this cause and take a principled stand for a brighter future.
Conclusion: A Democratic Reset
As Ghanaians decisively rejected the NDC in 2016, they must now reject the NPP with the same resolve. True democracy thrives when leaders are accountable and governance serves the people. Aristotle wisely stated: “The essence of democracy is freedom.” To preserve that freedom, Ghanaians must vote against leaders who undermine it.
Cicero’s words resonate: “Salus populi suprema lex esto”—the welfare of the people shall be the supreme law. The electorate has the power to restore this principle by choosing inclusive, accountable leadership. Ghana’s youth, the torchbearers of tomorrow, must act now to ensure the nation remains a beacon of democracy and hope for Africa.
By: Lawson Edem Morttey
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