Penplusbytes launches voter’s compass to empower electorate

Story: Abdulai SAAKA, Accra

IN a move aimed at strengthening democratic accountability and ensuring a more informed electorate, non-profit organization Penplusbytes has expressed deep concern over the lack of accountability in Ghana’s democratic process.

At the heart of their message is the belief that transparency and accountability — key pillars of any functioning democracy — are being eroded in Ghana, especially in the period between elections.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the launch of the Voter’s Compass, Executive Director Jerry Sam pointed out that Ghana’s democracy has been reduced to an “electoral democracy,” where active engagement with citizens is limited to election periods.

He noted that while transparency and inclusivity have seen some progress in the electoral process, accountability remains elusive.

“Yes, there has been some level of transparency, inclusivity around elections,” said Sam, “but the key bit is accountability, which is still very elusive in our democratic processes.

“Sadly, it’s only during elections that we’re able to get close to those seeking political office. That’s when they do door-to-door visits, hold rallies, and engage with citizens. But after elections, that closeness disappears.”

Penplusbytes’ Voter’s Compass, developed with support from the German Federal Foreign Office, aims to change that dynamic by providing a platform for Ghanaians to make more informed decisions ahead of the December 7 elections.

The tool, which includes a 20-question survey, helps voters align their preferences with the political parties that best represent their interests.

Sam emphasized the importance of citizen involvement throughout the entire electoral process — not just on voting day. “We want to create channels and avenues that ensure citizens own the process,” he explained.

“If citizens are involved in every aspect of the electoral continuum—from checking their names in the voters’ register to scrutinizing political manifestos—the likelihood of them accepting the final election outcome increases significantly.”

The launch of the Voter’s Compass, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, is seen as a key step towards deepening democratic engagement. At the launch, the Deputy German Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Sivine Jansen, highlighted the importance of informed decision-making in a democracy.

“We all want MPs and a president that push forward the interests we personally have,” said Jansen, noting that this ideal is rarely achieved perfectly.

“However, the Voter’s Compass helps voters take a step toward aligning their personal interests with the policies of political parties. It takes just 10 minutes to complete, and in the end, you’ll get a recommendation on which party aligns best with your political interests.”

H.E Jansen praised the initiative for offering voters a practical tool that allows them to weigh questions according to their priorities.

“For some, harmonizing taxes may be the most important issue, while for others, it might be tariffs at the port of Tema,” she explained. “The Voter’s Compass allows users to skip or prioritize questions according to their personal concerns.”

With the December elections fast approaching, Penplusbytes hopes that tools like the Voter’s Compass will foster greater accountability and ensure that Ghanaian citizens take a more active role in shaping the country’s democratic future.

As Sam pointed out, a democracy where citizens own the process is one where transparency, trust, and accountability can truly thrive. Penplusbytes’ initiative is a call to action for Ghanaians to engage deeply with the democratic process — not just during the intense period of elections, but throughout the political cycle, holding leaders accountable long after the votes have been counted.