In a poignant open letter, lecturers from the University of Ghana are rallying support for John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of Ghana’s pivotal elections on December 7, 2024. The group, comprising approximately 250 academic professionals from various departments, argues that the nation currently finds itself on a precipice amid unprecedented decay, claiming that under the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ghanaians have been betrayed and stripped of their dignity. This collective concern is rooted in the observed systemic failures affecting critical sectors, particularly those that impact the youth and future generations. Notably, they emphasize a troubling lack of opportunity and a compromised moral compass within national institutions, conveying a sense of urgency for a change in leadership.
The letter outlines stark realities that underscore the nation’s crisis. The economy, particularly the collapse of the currency, has severely worsened living conditions, making it exceedingly difficult for many Ghanaians to afford basic necessities. There is also a clear distress regarding the state of vital resources like water bodies, which are described as devastated. Moreover, pensioners and indigenous financial institutions, once cornerstones of economic independence, are portrayed as having their dignity eroded and operational capacities dismantled. Health care and education systems are similarly cited as collapsing, betraying the hopes a nation shares for its citizens. Within such a context, the lecturers argue that the recent trajectory of governance must be drastically altered for the sake of national recovery.
In light of these multi-faceted challenges, the lecturers advocate for the people of Ghana to place their trust in John Mahama and the NDC as a viable alternative to the ruling party. They present the NDC’s commitment to proposals such as establishing a 24-hour economy and improving access to free senior high school education as signs of credible leadership that would prioritize sustainable development and economic revitalization. Such assurances are presented not simply as partisan promises but as vital pathways to restore dignity and hope to the constituents who have felt the brunt of political mismanagement. The letter frames the upcoming elections as not just a choice between political parties but as a decisive moment for the nation’s future.
Furthermore, the lecturers address broader historical injustices, invoking a potent commitment to justice for lives lost during past political tumult, particularly referencing the eight individuals who tragically lost their lives in 2020. They assert that Ghanaians deserve a country where professionals like nurses and teachers feel secure and valued within their homeland rather than feeling the need to leave in search of better opportunities abroad. This plea extends beyond the electorate, as they call upon security services to prioritize constitutional integrity over party loyalty, encouraging all citizens to be watchful and document any electoral irregularities while remaining committed to peace and order.
The Open Letter also raises the question of their involvement as academics, often perceived as neutral entities. The lecturers counter that their silence in the face of national adversity would amount to complicity in allowing systemic injustices to continue unchallenged. They invoke a longstanding tradition of universities serving as moral compasses for society, insisting that educators bear a responsibility to foster critical thinking and uphold ethical standards. By endorsing Mahama and the NDC, they aim to fulfill a civic duty and align their convictions with a hopeful vision for Ghana’s future.
In concluding their open letter, the University of Ghana lecturers implore citizens to take the right step towards national recovery by casting their votes for John Mahama and the NDC. They assert that this election holds the potential to reignite the Ghanaian dream, emphasizing that the future of the nation rests upon the electorate’s engagement in calling for transformative change. The lecturers reaffirm their commitment to guiding the next generation of leaders, expressing confidence that the people of Ghana have the power to vote for a restored hope, rebuilt trust, and a renewed vision for their country, insisting collectively that ‘Ghana must rise again.’
