Kwame Owusu-Danso: Winner-Take-All System Cannot Develop Ghana

Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Movement for Change (Afrafranto Alliance), has raised concerns about the entrenched political culture in Ghana, where party loyalty often supersedes national interest.

Speaking on October 16, 2024, during separate meetings with the chiefs and elders of Sekondi in the Western Region, as well as the Imams, chiefs, and elders of Sekondi Zongo, KOD questioned the sustainability of the winner-takes-all system that has defined the nation’s politics for years. He stressed that this system has made political parties more important than the country itself.

“Today, in Ghana, having a party card is more important than having a Ghana Card,” KOD lamented. He explained that the winner-takes-all approach has deepened political divisions, as key national opportunities such as contracts, scholarships, recruitments, and employment are handed out based on party loyalty. “National contracts, scholarships, recruitment, appointments, and employment opportunities are all reserved for members of the ruling party, leaving a sizeable portion of Ghanaians behind,” he said.

In both meetings, KOD passionately called on Ghanaians to vote for Alan Kyerematen, the presidential candidate of the Movement for Change, who is committed to breaking this divisive political cycle. He assured that an Alan Kyerematen-led government would form a government of national unity that prioritizes the country’s development over party interests.

“What we need is a government of national unity, not one that serves just the interests of a few party loyalists,” KOD emphasized.

During his address to the chiefs and elders of Sekondi, KOD emphasized that a government of national unity would promote inclusiveness by utilizing the talents and skills of all Ghanaians, irrespective of political affiliations.

“A government of national unity brings everyone on board, ensuring that we work towards one goal – developing Ghana, not advancing party interests,” he said.

The Sekondi chiefs, in response, praised KOD’s message of change, prayed for him, and appealed to the youth to avoid being used to cause conflict and disunity in the country.

KOD further explained to both groups that the winner-takes-all system excludes many qualified Ghanaians because they are not affiliated with the ruling party, depriving the country of their potential contributions. “We cannot build a prosperous nation if we continue to exclude capable people simply because they belong to a different political party or they are not into party politics,” he stressed.

The Imams and chiefs of Sekondi Zongo were full of praise for his message, urging him to share it widely across the country to help people understand the vision Mr. Kyerematen carries.

In addition to promoting inclusiveness, KOD noted that the winner-takes-all system fosters corruption, as party loyalists are often appointed to key positions based on loyalty rather than competence. A government of national unity, he argued, would prioritize meritocracy and qualifications.

“We need to move away from this culture of rewarding party loyalty at the expense of competence. Ghana deserves better,” KOD stated. The Zongo chiefs prayed for him, acknowledging Mr. Alan Kyerematen as one politician who stands out as uniquely unblemished in terms of corruption or any other scandal often associated with politicians.

KOD also stressed that a government of national unity would help reduce political tension and promote peace, especially during election periods. “When everyone feels they have a stake in the governance of the country, it reduces the unhealthy competition and tension that have characterized our elections. People won’t see politics as a do-or-die affair,” he remarked.

Concluding his engagements, KOD urged the people of Sekondi to support Alan Kyerematen and the Movement for Change, stressing the need for a political transformation that puts the country first. “It’s time for real change. Let’s say no to ‘winner-takes-all’ and yes to ‘government of national unity’. With Alan Kyerematen, we can build a government that works for all Ghanaians,” he concluded.