By Osborn Martin Gatugbe, Volta Regional Chairperson for the United Nations Youth Association-Ghana
The 2024 elections at the University of Ghana present a crucial moment for reflection on the state of youth engagement in Ghana’s democratic processes. With only 18,659 students out of 59,629 eligible voters participating, 40,970 students, or 68.7%, chose not to cast their votes. This striking apathy raises important questions about how Ghanaian youth perceive the rule of law and electoral processes and whether democracy is losing its appeal among the younger generation.
Is the Ghanaian Youth Losing Trust in the Rule of Law and Electoral Processes?
The voter turnout in the University of Ghana’s election reflects a larger concern: are the youth disengaging from the country’s democratic systems? When over two-thirds of the student electorate abstains from voting, it suggests a significant disconnect between the electorate and those vying for leadership positions. Several factors could be fueling this growing sense of detachment:
Disillusionment with Leadership: Many young people feel that elected leaders often fail to represent their interests or adequately address their concerns, leading to widespread disillusionment. The perception that leadership is disconnected from the realities of youth creates a sense of hopelessness, prompting many to abstain from voting altogether.
Perceived Inefficacy of Voting: For some, voting has come to be viewed as a futile exercise. When the youth see no tangible change in their lives despite casting their ballots, they begin to doubt whether their votes matter at all. This perceived lack of impact can dampen enthusiasm for participation in democratic processes.
Distrust in the Rule of Law: Instances of electoral fraud, corruption, and favoritism can erode confidence in the rule of law and the electoral system. If young people believe that elections are rigged or that their votes can be easily manipulated, they are likely to lose faith in the process altogether.
This trend, if left unchecked, could have dire implications for Ghana’s national democracy. The declining confidence in the rule of law, coupled with apathy toward the electoral process, threatens the foundation of a democratic society that relies on active participation to thrive.
How Reflective Would This Be for the 2024 General Election in Ghana?
The low turnout at the University of Ghana could very well serve as a warning for the upcoming national elections. Ghana’s youth make up a substantial portion of the electorate, and their disengagement from the political process is troubling. If this apathy persists into the 2024 general election, the country may witness a similar decline in voter turnout among the youth. Such disengagement would significantly undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process, especially if elected officials are voted in by only a fraction of the population.
For a vibrant democracy, it is essential that the youth are actively engaged in governance. The national leadership must take decisive steps to restore confidence in the electoral system. This could involve:
Improving transparency in election processes: Ensuring that electoral procedures are open, fair, and free from fraud will be crucial to rebuilding trust.
Strengthening institutions to uphold the rule of law: Reinforcing the integrity of Ghana’s legal and electoral institutions will be necessary to guarantee that elections are credible and that all votes are counted fairly.
Addressing socio-economic issues: Demonstrating that leadership can effectively tackle youth unemployment, education, and other pressing issues would help prove that voting leads to real change.
Without these efforts, the disillusionment seen at the University of Ghana may carry over into national politics, potentially leading to a democratic crisis.
Do the Leaders Elected Truly Represent the True Intentions of the People?
The question of representation becomes complex when such a large portion of the electorate abstains from voting. With only 31.3% of eligible students participating in the election, it is difficult to argue that the elected leaders truly represent the broader student population. Low voter turnout typically results in leadership that reflects only the views of those who choose to vote, leaving the silent majority underrepresented.
This raises the concern that elected leaders may not fully embody the intentions and aspirations of the entire student body. In a broader national context, if youth apathy continues into general elections, it could lead to leadership that does not accurately reflect the diverse needs of the population. This misalignment may further alienate the youth, perpetuating a cycle of disengagement and dissatisfaction with political leadership.
The 2024 University of Ghana elections offer a sobering glimpse into the challenges facing Ghana’s democracy. The disinterest and disengagement of the youth highlight a worrying trend: a growing loss of confidence in both leadership and the electoral process. If this issue is not addressed, the 2024 national elections could mirror these results, potentially weakening the foundations of democracy in Ghana.
To prevent this, urgent action is required to restore trust in the rule of law, engage the youth in meaningful ways, and ensure that elected officials truly represent the will of the people. Only then can Ghana’s democracy flourish and continue to serve as a beacon of stability in the region.
About the author:
The author, Osborn Martin Gatugbe, is a passionate humanitarian leader and educator from Volta, Ghana. He is the Chief Director of Somnia Osbrain Foundation LBG, formerly Osbrain Cares Foundation. Osborn has made significant contributions to empowering vulnerable communities, particularly adolescent girls and young mothers, through various programs like the “After School Fashion Design & Technology Program, AfFDTP, the Young Mothers Empowerment Program, YMEP and Rhythms of Mother Africa Unity, RMAUP”. His leadership and commitment to social welfare extend beyond local communities, impacting lives globally. Osborn also serves as the Volta Regional Chairperson for the United Nations Youth Association-Ghana, where he advocates for youth empowerment and active participation in global initiatives, and a valuable member of one of the largest Pan-African movements – Africans Rising for Unity, Justice, Peace and Dignity.
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