‘Kofi Brokeman's’ guide to the elections

Most people have problems with the daily necessities of life, namely: food, clothing and shelter. Yet when the time comes to choose the representatives who would make these needs to be within their reach, they are more concerned with the secondary issues which are presented by those who want their votes. It is true that these issues, such as schools, universities, roads and hospitals, impact on the basic necessities. But keeping the primary necessities in mind assists the proper appreciation of projects and achievements, which are elaborated in the party manifestos.

Education is most important and the fundamentals should be addressed. We have had free, compulsory primary education for over 50 years and yet the majority of our people are semi-illiterate. We, the fortunate minority, should be greatly concerned, especially those like me, who have at one time been responsible for education. The inability of many to understand the basic requirements for modern economic and social progress encourages politicians to mislead them. Those of us who have more than the basic necessities and find life agreeable should loudly call for true economic and social development at election time. The “Kofi Brokeman” group is impatient. If conditions continue and worsen they may destroy the social and economic structures of the state and it is the upper echelons of society who will suffer most.

It is, therefore, in the interest of all Ghanaians that they be seriously involved in the elections. In this regard, both the haves and have-nots have a lot to learn. Sometimes much learning in economics and development issues dulls understanding. We should try to clear our heads of the cobwebs of learning and assist the unfortunate to understand why they have been involved in the development process.

I have been shocked by some of the views, understanding, and knowledge of our young folk. I asked a few young men how the government obtained money to pay for the administration and development of the country. The majority replied that the government got the money from the Europeans and Americans. I had to explain to them that they were all taxpayers. Customs or excise duty was levied on the cloth with which their shirt was made, and the importer passed this levy on to the seller who passed on the payment to them [buyers]. Other charges, including VAT, were discussed and we agreed that “the government’s money” is partly “Kofi Brokeman's “ money. The government also receives money through the exploitation of our natural resources. Therefore everyone should be “annoyed “ when state funds are improperly used. And when funds are spirited away through corruption, we should demand investigation and prosecution where necessary.

Once it is realised that the money used to build roads and schools and to establish projects is our money, our attitude to the achievements of governments would be healthier.

When a bridge is built in Accra we may ask why it was not built in the “Kofi Brokeman” area to facilitate the transportation of food to Accra. This would give jobs to the unemployed in the countryside and feed the people of Accra. We should encourage the people to think and ask our politicians and leaders the appropriate questions.

We the people are partly responsible for the unwelcome economic and social situation of the country. We applaud projects, institutions, and handouts like second-hand clothing without assessing their impact on the economy.

The government is not a Father Christmas who dishes out gifts to children. Free education is in the interest of the children, the parents and the nation. It should be enforced and parents who do not send their children to school should be punished. The meals at certain schools are necessary because a hungry child cannot learn well; moreover, the absence of certain food values causes irreparable brain damage. Such amenities should not be provided merely to gain votes or even to get children to go to school. Parents should be primarily responsible for the upkeep and education of their children. The state steps in when necessary.

In this regard, work should be available so that parents can maintain and educate their children. Election manifestos should, therefore, be comprehensively assessed. Those of us who claim to be educated should examine proposals and consider how they would assist overall development. We should assess, think and persuade other compatriots to do the same.

We live in difficult times and we should encourage our leaders and those who seek our votes to be resolute in their thinking and not pander to the ignorance and easy expectations of the many. And we should assist the many with basic problems to realise that the road to better times would not be easy. Hard work is expected of all and ruthless eradication of dysfunctional corruption is imperative if the money of the people is to be used to provide basic necessities for all.