Politics of project inauguration: Will it resonate or backfire with voters?

By Azure Imoro Abdulai

THE political landscape in Ghana is witnessing a familiar script as the nation approaches the December 7, 2024, elections.

Recent developments, such as the inauguration of over 100 projects in a month, including the widely publicized introduction of electric buses, raise critical questions about the effectiveness of project inaugurations as a vote-winning strategy.

Historically, Ghanaian governments have intensified project inaugurations in the weeks leading to elections, creating a perception of urgency and achievement.

In November 2016, the Mahama-led administration embarked on a similar spree, inaugurating the Circle Interchange, commissioning Ayaaloo buses with modern features like Wi-Fi and USB charging ports, and cutting sod for various projects.

These moves, however, failed to resonate with the electorate, leading to the defeat of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Fast-forward to November 2024, and the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government appears to be repeating this pattern. While the introduction of electric buses, particularly with women drivers trained under the ‘kayayoo’ initiative, is commendable, it invites scrutiny.

How sustainable are these projects? Are they genuine responses to citizens’ needs or merely political theatrics aimed at garnering votes?

Evaluating the Timing and Implications

The timing of these initiatives is crucial. Launching a flurry of projects so close to an election can be perceived as a desperate vote-buying mechanism rather than a demonstration of genuine governance. In the case of the electric buses, questions abound:

• What category of license qualifies a driver to operate these buses?
• Can newly trained drivers safely manage such sophisticated vehicles?
• Why were the Ayaaloo buses, inaugurated with much fanfare in 2016, left to deteriorate while similar initiatives are being celebrated now?

These concerns underscore a larger issue of sustainability and consistency in policy implementation. The focus on high-profile projects during election years often neglects long-term maintenance and operational challenges, as evidenced by the abandonment of the Ayaaloo buses.

Lessons from 2016

The 2016 election outcome should serve as a cautionary tale. Despite the NDC’s heavy focus on showcasing infrastructure and project inaugurations, the electorate prioritized economic hardships, unemployment, and other pressing issues over visible but perceived short-term gains.

This misalignment between government priorities and citizens’ expectations contributed to the NDC’s electoral defeat.

If the NPP intends to avoid a similar fate, it must recognize that Ghanaians have grown more discerning. Citizens are increasingly looking beyond ribbon-cutting ceremonies to assess the tangible, lasting impacts of policies on their lives.

Will Politicians Ever Learn?

The cycle of inaugurations in election years highlights a recurring failure of political leaders to learn from their predecessors’ mistakes. While infrastructure development and visible achievements are important, they cannot replace holistic governance that addresses systemic issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, and job creation.

Moreover, overloading the public with last-minute projects risks creating cynicism among voters. The perception that these initiatives are politically-motivated can erode trust, diminishing their electoral impact.

Conclusion

As the December 2024 elections approach, the government must tread carefully. Rather than banking on a barrage of inaugurations, it should focus on transparent communication, demonstrating how these projects align with a broader, sustainable development agenda.

Ghanaians are no longer swayed solely by the glamour of project launches. They demand accountability, long-term planning, and a government prioritising their everyday needs over election-year spectacles.

For the NPP, the true test lies not in the number of projects inaugurated but in the trust it has built with the electorate over its tenure. Only time will tell if this strategy will resonate — or backfire — come December.

– Writer’s email: imoro2020@gmail.com