Pofessor Mohammed Sumaila Asaah has criticized politicians for prioritizing uninformed voters over intellectuals in Ghana’s democratic process.
Speaking in an interview with A1 Radio as part of a documentary assessing the country’s democracy, he lamented how politicians mobilize less-informed individuals with food and alcohol rather than engaging knowledgeable citizens in meaningful discourse.
“Have you gone to a constituency, and you will see a politician or an MP come and gather the intelligentsia, people who are well informed? No. Majority come, follow those who have nothing to contribute. All they need to do is get them beer and give them food,” he stated.
His remarks highlight a growing concern about voter manipulation, where politicians exploit economic hardship to secure votes rather than addressing pressing national issues.
This approach, according to Prof. Asaah, undermines democratic progress and stifles critical engagement in governance.
Ghana’s democracy has evolved significantly since the adoption of the 1992 Constitution, with peaceful transitions of power and institutional growth.
However, challenges such as vote buying, political polarization, and weak accountability persist.
Analysts argue that unless political engagement shifts towards informed dialogue, governance will remain ineffective in addressing developmental needs.
Prof. Asaah’s concerns echo broader calls for political reforms that promote issue-based campaigns and active participation from all segments of society, particularly the educated and skilled workforce.