Security analyst Adib Saani believes that the December 7 elections have been the most significant factor in ensuring Ghana’s stability, peace, and democracy.
He said Ghana has consistently maintained uninterrupted democracy despite economic turmoil, as citizens have the right to vote to change an incompetent government.
The security consultant was reacting to the recent uprising in Kenya, where some 25 individuals have died after citizens in that country staged a protest in opposition to new tax reforms.
The Kenyan citizens stormed the parliament house and set portions of it ablaze amidst the firing of tear gas and bullets by the security agencies in that country.
President Ruto had to address the nation, announcing his decision to withdraw the tax reform and promising to consult with the people on the best way forward.
Commenting on the incident, Adib Saani stated that Ghana could have its version of what happened in Kenya.
He was, however, quick to add that the version in Ghana was a street protest and not an attempt to set our parliament chamber ablaze.
He said he does not necessarily see the boldness to set institutions ablaze in the Ghanaian.
Mr. Saani stated that it is difficult for Ghanaians to turn out in large numbers to stage such a major demonstration.
“I don’t see that kind of zeal in Ghanaians. We lack that vim, like the Kenyans. Ghanaians would usually want to express their frustration at the ballot box. It is very difficult to see Ghanaians come out in their numbers to organise such a powerful protest. However, I have consistently reminded Ghanaians that we are not angry enough. But beyond that anger, there is a level of hopelessness. When our leaders underperform and we want to use the ballot to punish them, they will want to circumvent the process, and that can create some level of hopelessness.
We feel in Ghana that no matter the circumstances and difficulties we are going through, there is December 7, which will offer us an opportunity to vote out any underperforming government. That is the only thing keeping Ghana safe. In the midst of the coups in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and the rest, the only thing that has kept Ghana safe is December 7. So if December 7 arrives and you make any foolish attempt to circumvent the process, then you will push Ghanaians into hopelessness, and that will be a recipe for disaster.”
He underscored the need for the electoral process to be free, fair, and transparent.
He advised the Electoral Commission, the police, and other stakeholders to contribute to a free and fair process in the upcoming December 7 presidential and parliamenatry elections.
He said, “All stakeholders have a critical role to play, especially the political parties. We all have a role to play, and if anyone should circumvent the will of the people, it will create a serious stability crisis. Ghanaians are going through an economic crisis. COVID-19 is no longer a global crisis, but Ghanaians are still paying the COVID-19 levy. In the midst of all of these, if Ghanaians want to vote for someone and you circumvent their will, you will push them into hopelessness. Listen to the people and respect their will; if not, it will be dangerous.
The next election will be a test for our democracy. In my opinion, the next election will be the most important election in our fourth republic because it is an election between an incumbent and a former leader. When you examine our system and the kind of incendiary statements we make in our body politics, it is just a common voter transfer exercise, and someone was stabbed with a knife. Let’s be careful. The stakes are high, and we must protect our democracy so we will not have a situation that was witnessed in Kenya.”
Mr. Adib Saani was speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM on Friday, June 28, 2024.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
