As Ghana approaches its 2024 general elections, Sam Okudzeto, a prominent member of the Council of State, has called on Ghanaians to actively participate in the electoral process by casting their votes. His comments, made during an interview on the sidelines of the National Blood Donation Day launch in Accra on November 25, come at a critical time as concerns about voter apathy and the potential for election-related violence dominate national discussions.
According to Ghana web, With just 12 days left until the elections, Okudzeto expressed deep concern over the tendency of some citizens to abstain from voting. Voter apathy, he explained, remains a significant challenge in Ghanaian elections, and he urged the public to understand the serious implications of non-participation. “Everyone should go and vote. When some people say, ‘Oh, I don’t like this politician, so I will not vote,’ I say, well, I don’t want to say you are foolish, but what you are doing may amount to foolishness,” he remarked. He emphasized that each individual vote could make a decisive difference in determining the country’s leadership.
He further warned that those who choose not to vote forfeit their right to complain about the outcomes. “That one vote of yours may make a whole difference to who goes into office and what they are going to do. If you don’t do it, then don’t go and complain because you are negligent. Your refusal to vote has created a problem that is there,” Okudzeto stated.
In Ghana’s recent electoral history, voter apathy has been particularly noticeable in some regions, such as Volta, and the 2016 elections marked a significant decline in voter turnout. This year, various polls have predicted that voter participation may again be lower than expected, heightening concerns about the future of the nation’s democracy. Okudzeto’s plea serves as a reminder that democratic participation is a collective responsibility that impacts the country’s future.
