The Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG) has called on Ghanaians to rethink their approach to electoral participation, emphasising that voting alone is not the ultimate expression of their power as citizens.
In a statement issued on the occasion of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s birthday, the SMG said“Your Vote is NOT Your Power”, and urged Ghanaians to go beyond mere electoral choices and demand greater control over the country’s social and political decision-making processes.
The SMG firmly rejected the notion that citizens should only engage with politics through voting, a practice they argue limits citizens to choosing between elite-driven options and subsequently retreating into passivity.
“We reject the position that the citizen’s vote is their power,” the statement read in part.
“Voting is just one ‘power’ that we have as citizens. Elites promote electoralism because it is an individualistic and secret act that protects the status quo.”
The socialist group emphasised that true power resides in the collective ability to organise, mobilise, and actively shape the future, and called on Ghanaians to be critical of political candidates, assess their platforms from a social class perspective, and collectively demand more from leadership.
“This is not a call to boycott or ignore elections,” SMG clarified. “It is a call to go beyond electoralism.”
The movement also encouraged citizens to protect their votes and ensure that the electoral process is free from manipulation, especially under the administration of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
While acknowledging the importance of voting, the SMG stressed that the real work begins after the elections. Regardless of the outcome in December 2024, they argued that citizens must remain vigilant and prepare to challenge exploitative governance, ensuring that the people’s authority is imposed on the next government taking office in January 2025.
The statement concluded with a call for Ghanaians to reflect deeply on the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, urging them to honour his vision by remaining active participants in the nation’s political and social evolution.
“We wish you all a joyous and reflective Founder’s Day,” SMG said in the statement signed by Kwesi Pratt Jnr, General Secretary.
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