NPP Has No Chance Of Breaking The "8" - Political Scientist

Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng, a political scientist at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has stated that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has no chance of winning the 2024 elections and subsequently disrupting the eight-year rule of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to him, the issue of fracturing the eight must be viewed in the context of what is becoming a trend in Ghanaian politics.

Dr. Amakye-Boateng revealed that the pattern dictates that the party in power is removed from office every eight years. He indicated, however, that this is not solely due to the fact that the eight-year period permits a reasonable evaluation of the performance of the party in office.

"In politics, particularly democratic politics, the politics generally play out after the elections. In spite of this, economics and its impact on people's lives become the most important issue. So, looking at the current situation in Ghana, especially in light of statements such as 'y3te sika so na 3kom di y3n' and 'I'll protect the public purse,' as well as key statements made by Dr. Bawumia on the issue of schools under trees, stating explicitly that after two years in government they will address all of these issues, it is clear that these statements have had a significant impact on the country. None of them have been resolved as of this moment. Thus, the party confronts a difficult task... When asked if they will be able to break the 8, I respond, "There is no chance."

Dr. Boateng stated that there is a dynamism in democratic politics that works for the average citizen, and that is the politics of development and change. As a result, he remarked that if political parties fail to perform, the only way to get politicians to give attention to the electorates and citizens is to replace them.

"Politicians are only concerned with the upcoming election. In light of these developments, which have aided the eventual success of a number of democracies throughout the globe, I anticipate that the same transformation will occur. I do not anticipate a miracle to occur between now and the time we vote for our parliamentarians and presidents."

Active political participation of women
Commenting on the participation of women in politics, a political scientist from KNUST disclosed that the two main parties in the country have not produced a woman candidate; consequently, women do not play significant roles within our parties. He explained that some of them believe that there are restrictions imposed on women's paths.

In addition, he underscored that politics is a difficult endeavour, so women who truly desire to enter the political arena must be willing to fulfill all obligations.

Thus, we encourage our women to step forward. The statistics are not encouraging, as women have not played significant roles. The proportions of appointees in parliament are not encouraging. There, where we have the ability to at least address the problem, is where presidents make appointments."

Dr. Amakye-Boateng argued that Ghana has no justification for not encouraging women to participate in politics because there are as many educated and experienced women as males in Ghana.

Therefore, Ghana has the capacity to appoint as many women as feasible, at least in its appointment-making areas. Women's active political participation is hindered by this obstacle."