Introduction
Understanding How Politicians Have Weakened Ghana’s Electorates been a book that examines the role of politicians in entrenching poverty and a lack of economic opportunities among citizens of Ghana. Drawing on extensive field research, this book traces how deep-rooted patterns of patronage politics have taken root in the country, leading to malformed policy decisions that benefit the few at the expense of the many. Through an exploration of political culture and its effects, readers will gain insights into how leaders exploit their positions for short-term gain while leaving those who elected them worse off than before. This book covers a wide range of topics as it discusses how citizens can become better informed and attain improved governance structures through meaningful participation in politics. It offers valuable advice to policy makers on strategies for forging an egalitarian democracy that works towards lifting all members of society out of poverty. With an eye-opening look at how entrenched politicians have kept even basic needs from their constituents, Understanding How Politicians Have Weakened Ghana’s Electorates been essential reading for anyone interested in understanding why change is needed in Ghana and around the world.
Objectives of the Book
- To explain the political and economic history of Ghana and how it has impacted electors.
- To assess the ways in which politicians have contributed to the underdevelopment of electorates.
- To provide evidence-based solutions on how to improve the political participation of electors in Ghana.
- To identify strategies for increasing voter education to foster a more informed electorate in Ghana.
- To explore existing policies and regulations concerning voting procedures in Ghana and offer recommendations for improvement when necessary.
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Overview of Political System in Ghana
-Introduction to Ghana’s Election Politics
-Definition of Buying Votes
– Overview of Politicians Paying Money to Electorates in Ghana
– Politics of Deception and Monetization in Ghana’s elections.
-How Politicians Pay Money and Items to Electorates
-Money and Incentives Given to Electorates in Ghana
-The Issues Surrounding Politicians Paying Money to the Electorate in Ghana before Voting
-Views on Politicians Paying Money and their Impact on Democracy
Chapter Two: History of Politicians Bribing Electorates in Ghana
-Pre-Independence Era (1956 – 1957)
-Post-Independence Era (1960 – Present)
Chapter Three: What Every Politician Must Understand
– Negative Behaviour of Ghana Politicians
–Things to acknowledge before entering Politics in Ghana
- Why Your Best Interests Are Not a Priority for Politicians
- Everyone is striving to reach their own goals.
- Engaging with politicians is like snoozing next to tigers – you must maintain your vigilance throughout.
- If one cannot identify who is being taken advantage of in any political situation, then it is likely that person is oneself.
- Offering your assistance to politicians is akin to applying a bandage after the wound has already recovered, rendering your service unnecessary.
- When dealing with politics, never show more emotion than the politician involved; they will reap the rewards and you will suffer for their grievances instead.
- In any political situation, it is important to prioritize your own interests above all else and choose the outcome or interest group that serves you best.
- Engaging in uncertain endeavors for politicians may result in personal catastrophe if things do not go as planned.
– Politicians have contributed to the underdevelopment of electorates.
Chapter Four: Causes and Effects of Politicians Bribing Electorates
-Causes of Politicians Bribing Electorates
-Negative Effects on Ghanaian Politics
Chapter Five: Causes of Underdeveloped Ghana Electorates
-Poor Governance
-Political Corruption
-Poor Infrastructure and Services Delivery
-Lack of Representation
-Poverty and Inequality
-Insufficient Voter Education and Participation
Chapter Six: Threat to elections in Ghana
- Violent straggle
- Hooliganism
- Ethnocultural
- Abuse of the right of minorities
- insults
- Election rigging
- Fake news on social media
- Neoplasm
- Greed
- Lies
- Propaganda
- Disinformation
- Misinformation
- Political threats
- Voter intimidation
- Unregulated campaign financing
- Inadequate polling infrastructure
- Lack of civic education about the electoral process
- Meddling by foreign states or organizations
- Misleading information campaigns
- Polling staff disruptive behaviour/incompetence
- Aggressive party agents at polls
- Poorly trained and inadequately supervised security personnel
- Misapplication of election laws and regulations
- Unsafe transportation and storage of voting materials
- Malfunctioning of voting equipment/technology
- Discriminatory voter registration processes
- Online interference via hacking, trolling, cyberattacks etc.
- Voting irregularities in remote areas /issue with identifying documents
- Exclusionary candidate eligibility rules
- Low voter turnout
- Geographic gerrymandering
- Undue influence or bribery
Chapter Seven: Impact of Underdeveloped Ghana Electorates on Politics
-Decreased Accountability
-Negative Perception of Politicians
-Reduced Political Engagement
-Legal Implications of the Practice
Chapter Eight: An Analysis of Ghana Politics
-Factor Limiting Political Development in Ghana
-Low Levels of Participation and Interest in Politics
-Limited Access to Qualified Candidates
-Lack of Political Education and Inconsistent Policies
-Patronage System and Tribalism
-Weak Oversight Mechanisms and Poor Governance Structures
Chapter Nine: Political Development in Ghana
-Factors Enhancing Political Development in Ghana
-Relocating Authority from Central Government towards Local Governments
-Strengthening Women’s Representation in Politics
-Adoption of Technologies to Encourage Voter Registration and Participation in Elections
-Expanding Access to Funding for Political Campaigns
-Regional Organizations Assisting with Election Planning and Monitoring
-Growth of Civil Society Groups Promoting Good Governance
-Development of social media As a Tool for Mobilizing Voters
-Increased Focus on Separation of Power at the Judicial Level
-Promotion of Free Speech from NGOs Using Traditional and Digital Platforms
-Election Technology to Improve Transparency in Voting Procedures
-Creation of Youth-Led Projects Engaging Young People in Politics
Chapter Ten: Benefits of Politicians Paying Money to Electorates
– Drawbacks of Politicians Paying Money to Electorates
-How Ghana’s Election System is Impacted by Politicians Offering Incentives
-Strategies for Reducing the Practice
-Legislative Actions
-Political Education Campaigns
-Voter Registration Reforms
-Legal Consequences for Politicians Offering Incentives in Elections
Chapter Eleven: Solutions to Improve the Development of the Ghana Electorates
-Increasing Gender Equity in Politics
-Enhancing Economic Opportunities
-Strengthening Civil Society Organizations
-Improving Access to Quality Education
-Encouraging Citizen Involvement in Decision Making Processes
-Implementing Effective Transparency and Anti-Corruption Mechanisms
-Solutions for Combating Politician Bribery in Ghana
-Proposed Guidelines by Political Parties for a Fair Election
Chapter Twelve: Future Directions for Ghanaian Politics
-Measures Being Taken to End or Limit this Practice in Ghana
-Legislation Governing Campaign Expenditures, Gifts and Donations
-Efforts by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to Combat Vote Buying Practices
References
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