Alas, the Politicians are focusing on issues.
April 28, 2008
“Has anyone noticed that in the past one month the Politicians are beginning to tone down on rhetoric and focus on some issues that are really important to the electorate?”………That was a question one of my banker guests popped up during a commercial break on one of our banking month interviews.
I argued that we really hadn’t seen a significant rise in the level of Political discourse save for a few speeches here and there.
And that in the main, the Politicians haven’t still got the message strong enough that they are our employees and that we need them to raise their discussions to a solution oriented one.
To buttress his point, my guest listed the KNUST energy forum, the AGI interactions and some Policy speeches by Dr Paa kwesi Ndoum of the CPP. He argued that these coupled with attempts by some press houses to make the campaign an issue oriented one was beginning to make impact.
I disagreed vehemently.
First of all, the KNUST energy forum was the initiative of the University. It was only because the University had pushed the candidates to focus on a particular issue (energy) that the Politicians were being forced to talk about it. Last time I checked this didn’t happen in the previous election.
The AGI interaction with the candidates is no different. It too is the brainchild of Tony Oteng Gyasi (AGI boss) and his team. (A great innovation). Beyond that, what are the Politicians doing to push unto the table an issue oriented campaign?
Almost nothing……..Dr. Paa Kwesi Ndoum on his own has published a few positions on the food crises and the economy.
One thing I find amazing is that as at now, neither the NPP nor NDC has a manifesto ready for use on their campaign tours. So what are they campaigning about? What are they telling the various communities they visit? Depending on which community they find themselves in, our Presidential aspirants are promising whatever they can (often without basis) or praising themselves or calling the other names. They are yet to publish these promises so we can hold them accountable to it should they win power.
In essence our Politicians have propounded some Policy positions on Energy and Industry ONLY because we have forced them to do so……And we must force them to do more. More groups like the AGI, should invite them and publicly cajole them to pronounce their positions on their interests. GNAT / NAGRAT, Gender groups, Civil society groups with interest in employment, Banks etc. It looks now like the only way to get them to focus on our interests.
Oh and let the parties publish their manifestoes quickly so we know their positions in this campaign. That is the only way they can show commitment to the promise of focusing on issues.
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48 Responses to “Alas, the Politicians are focusing on issues.”
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Kojo, you are doing the job right; continue to push the basic agenda of the electorate on your platform.
One basic issue politicians forget is, the society itself is dynamic; thus, both the educated and semi-educated alike are learning how to push into mind their individual agenda and wish to know how the various presidential candidate will address them when they win power.
All the same, i think the NDC are having the welfare of the poor Ghanaian at heart, and i know Prof. Mills will address their basic needs accordingly, because his campaingns have been characterized with issues best at hearts of these poor in society.
Kojo! Kojo!! Kojo!!!
Your blog makes for interesting reading. I know you are passionate ( and rightly so!) about and long to see the politics in the country turn from one of rhetoric to one that is based on issues.I agree with you to a large extent on the opinions you have expressed above and I will be surprised to find anyone who doesn’t.
My bane is that we all seem to be using the term “issue-based campaign” every now and then without articulating what an issue-based campaign is all about. I bet even within the circle of people who are in favour of it, there are diverse opinions on what it is and even among your own producers, they have different understanding of what an issue-based campaign should be.
What constitutes an issue-based campaign? More often than not, what one heres is what its not rather than what it is. it is good to know what an issue-based campaign is not, but i am sure it will be more beneficial to know what it is.
Madam Oboshie was reported to have said that its one that is not focused on peronalities on one of her visits to Koforidua and your panelist said its one that is devoid of rhetoric.
What I am pushing for is not an agreed definition of what it means, because it will be difficult to establish one like that, but the elements which are involved.After establishing what elements are involved, then we will have to ask ourselves if under our circumstances, it will be possible to have it and make sure that not only will it thrive but also be self-enforcing too!
Another issue that comes to play is the ability of the campaign to demonstrate a clear understanding of the issue at stake ( I certainly don’ mean aportioning blame!!), what its feasible solutions are, how the solution will be effective and what it will mean for the electorate. For example, on taxes, can they tell us exactly what they will do with tax. Increase a particular tax or reduce it? and where will they get the shortfall from or how they will use the increase.
One big issue that limits having an issue-based campaign is the lack of data. For example, the so-called debate that was held on the Super Morning Show was, for me, way below my expectations of an issue-based campaign. Yes, i appreciate the constraint of time but none of the panelists was able to even tell us the forecast of what our energy demand will be. So on what basis were they articulating their plans which was even just on supply? There was nothing on managing demand (as a virtual supply of energy), energy research, sustainability, affordability and rural energy supply too.
What role is there for the Press in an issue-based campaign? The role the Press plays in the politics in the U.K is one thing that never ceases to impress me. Yes, the political parties will have to produce a manifesto but will the press be in a position to analyse what that means for the electorate? That is one area, i believe, our journalists can do more to help the ordinary people. When an issue develops, say the government intends to introduce the talk time tax, let us know how that will impact the various sections of society. And it shouldn’t just be descriptive but how it impacts the dispossable income of the people - whether it makes them well off or worse off and by how much.
Hope the quest for an issue-based campaign will be even further strengthened when these elements are developed.
PS: Kojo I think the point you made about the lack of initiative from the political parties to take on an issue-based campaign is very important in the sense that it tells us one thing - that just calling for an issue-based will not make it happen by itself. We need to literally ‘extract’ it from them.
Cheers and have a good day! Need I say more?
ODASANI
Hi Kojo,
You’re doing a good job. I encourage you to do more. Don’t ever be cajoled by any politician to champion their agenda. They may use material things or “African magic” Beware !!!
To the substantive issue, i think we’ve treated the politician like God for far too long. Please let them grasp the message that, we the citizens of the nation are their employers and that the few years given them to run affairs of the nation will assessed by us and if they fall short of our expectations, they would be made to face the rigours of the laws of the land.
Please do this as often as possible!!!
God bless you.
Is there anyway the AG of Ghana publish the laws and Constitution of Ghana to the general public to take a glance of it?
This people are bullying as too much.
Kojo, the high fuel price is killing us and Ghanaians are tired. Prices of all food items have tripled in the last month because of high fuel prices worldwide. Anytime the month ends and l calculate my expenses, it is way overboard the salary l earn. Come December, we will look at our situation and vote accordingly since things are really hard of late.
Good day and continue doing the good job and may the good Lord keep you and give you the strength to go to work all the time.
Man U all the way!!!
My wife is a Chelsea fun(because of somebody Lol!!) and I am ManU fun for life, so there is going to be some teasing coming the finals. I am concern
the way we are playing right now, I don’t like it. But I know at the end of the day
Man U will raise the trophy.
But Wow Essien(that somebody) is a beast.
kojo,
it is rather absurd and unfortunate for Gabi Okyere Darko of all people to tell decerning Ghanaians that we are now better of than in 2000. if he is well of fine, but what they should remember is, they will come back for our votes. he should continue to make yes sir! yes sir! to enrich his macro and micro pocket. eyes are watching.
yes our politicians should focus on an issue based campaign. BUT, which percentage of the electorate is interested in such a campaign? Newton’s third law of motion should work here! If and when the electorate begins to reward politicians for issue-based campaigns, i have no doubt that our politicians would evolve into what we seek
Please,tell Mpp body to hold on to hourable boniface Sadik as the running mate of NPP urles it would take them by surprise
Kojo,
You are really doing a good job and I encourage you to keep on. I strongly believe that You and your station should be made the ISO in journalism and media practice in Ghana. My only prayer is that NO and I repeat NO politician will be able to lure you to pursue their agenda for them.
You a good time.
OBED (In Dansoman)
Kojo, I do admire the way you handling your show.But most of my friends think that you lean more towards the NDC than the NPP. I find traces of this perception if I’m listening to you sometimes.I think that you must live above this perception.You are a fine gentleman and I like you alot.Please convince me that you are not for NDC and that you are fair and you do not support any party when it comes to your work.Be more professionaland live above reproach.
By the way, force the politicians to talk on issues.I know you can do that.More grease to your elbows.
Kojo thinks Marcel Desailly does not deserve to be given the coach of Black Stars despite his numerous accomplishment because he has never coached a team. Guess Kojo does not deserve to be on radio too because what expereince did he turn up at JOY with except from tutorials from Komla when he asked him what it takes to be on radio. If he is that proud of his accomplishment then Desailly deserves it because he has even better accopmlishment
Kojo, I’m very happy politicians are now focusing on issues. It tells the extent to which radio and the power of media has on the country and I must commend JOY FM and you in particular for making this issue a priority. I say congratulations and always keep politicians on their toes especially when it comes to issues.
i think sheik i c quaye deserve it all but pls tell sheik i c quqye to check his gramar as yesterday victory speech was full of concord .
from. koforidua polytechnic
kojo,
i went to Mfantsiman Girls’ and i don’t remember eating tuna when Mrs Croffie was there. so tell her to pay all the money she choped waa waa,
We eat cassava with kontomire stew and there is no fish in it all we could taste was momone
Hi Kojo,
It is highly interesting to note and coming from people like you who set the news agenda, it has more light and color thrown to the issue.
what are my thoughts?
I believe in all sincereity that in as much as the agenda is been set by the various stakeholders, the various party flagbearers have indeed responded to the issues adequately, even if i still find “challenges” in them.
If you say they are been pushed it will not be far from the truth but yet still not holding any particular brief for the political partises, the “working middle class”, who for once are stepping out of their quiet shadows and endearing to set the political agenda for this season. which i believe is getting “wet” so far.
Comparetively, we’ve had democratic elections since 1992 to date and so far nothing like this has emerged from our political scenario and i indeed believe it is a great leap in our understanding of democracy in Ghana and Africa as a whole, where we’ve become active pacesetters.
Talking of manifestos to justify their too much “talk”, i don’t think it has much to change, if we dare to also take a look at previous manifestos to explain this present “forced” situation of rethorics, their has always been manifestos and their will always be manifestos, but what will be the “possible difference” now.
kojo,
bravo for all your good work. for now, i want to know where i can send all the empty plastic bottles from the water we drink at home. i live in kumasi.
also, i agree with the assertion that ,granted ,the “opinon leadres” are not doing their jobs but the issue of waste DISPOSAL is mostly attitudinal and as with issue based campaigning, WE have to set ( the high) standards for the people in charge!!
and speaking of the issues, let us not imagine that the next government; new or not can magically reduce tariffs on utilities, the cost of transportation etc. what i want the politicians to tell me is SOURCE9S) OF FUNDING for all their “wonderful” ideas.
thanks.
Hi Kojo,
i think you guys are doing a good job. On the issue of our politicians focusing on issues, i hold the view that it is not the responsibility of our leaders to tell us what they want since most of them cannot even be honest with themselves.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY DISCERNING GHANAIAN, USING THE MEDIA AS OUR MEDIUM, TO SET THE AGENDA FOR THE POLITICIANS TO SPEAK TO THE ISSUES. I am proud people like you are spearheading the crusade and you can trust that our prayers and encouragements are following your good works.
I must also mention that Ghana has no option than to change for the better and this can only be achieved by two people - YOU AND I. If you and I agree not to insult or provoke one another irrespective of our political affiliations/lenses, if we agree to diffuse tensions even when they are inevitable, if we the educated and privileged agree to correct our less educationally endowed brothers and sisters who act out of ignorance and malice, if you and I agree to vote without being coerced to cheat on the election day, if you and I sacrifice just one minute everyday praying for a peaceful election, if you and I agree not to be incited even when the election results do not favour your party, if you and I agree to bring all the political parties and politicians together, what a difference that will make and what a place GHANA will be.
Kojo, let me leave you with this quote from Norman Vincent Peale “Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.”
Think about it.
Michael
hi kojo it is really surprise my text are not heard read kojo do let me hear you on monday in as much as i do enjoy your issues that does have a greater effect and impact on the economy have been my cry lets make some analysis here em see could we have a formula for cocoa ,gold,cashew crude oil prices so that kojo we will personal mathematical calculation .
take forinstance when the world market price of crude oil when it was 36 dollars a gallon was 60 ghanapesewas now let us divide 130 dollars by 36 dollars and and any toddler could tell the answers where are they keeping our monies
kojowhy is not affecting the cocoa and i believe now you confirm the instability in ivory coast contributed to the increase in tonage in ghana because it was smuggled to ghana
more filla lets trade
the south africans have forgotten we fought for their liberation from apartheid, today they are killing our people and sacking them from their land. history will judge us all. when the south africans were in the lion’s den and nobody was hearing them, we Ghanaians used our own resources and money to fight for them, to cry to the whole world to come to their aid. today the are free and wanted to enjoy the bootie alone, they’ve forgotten that he who call for the piper pay for the tune. they want to enjoy the cake alone, time will tell. my fellow Ghanaians, please go home for it’s better to die home on your own bed than to die in somebody’s home and even on the bear floor. home sweet home
kojo,may i please ask you WHEN YOU WILLGET MARRIED?OR ARE YOU MARRIED?
Kojo, l find it very interesting the way the CPP and PNC are doing about with their alliance. i think they don’t know what they are doing. If they cannot handle just an alliance how can they handle the whole of Ghana and its problems.
To the NPP and NDC they should watch we are watching them.
hi Kojo you are doing a wonderful for the country. my day is not complete if l do not listened to you. l have travelled to China for about a three weeks seminar. i wanted to you listen to you via the internet immediately l touched down but l cound not do so the first three after arriving in china becuase i did not get access to the internet and when i got access to the net l could not listen to you immeiately because of the time difference. China’s time is ahead of that of Ghana for eight hours. your programme normally begins at 6am in Ghana and at that time it will be 3 pm in China by which time i am still in the confrence room. i however make time time to listen to the latter stages of the programme. please continue the good job your are doing for the country and never allow yourself to be swayed by and any political party for a Ghana need you to be impartial so you continue to command the respect that you enjoy today.
thank you and see you in Ghana soon
oh kojo, people like you are what Ghana needs to get us to the promised land. For me you have made a huge impression in the mind of all Ghanaians especially the youth but please tell Ato to mellow a bit on the chopocratic and cocainocratic goverment otherwise they will harm him one of these days. kudus guys.
Kojo,
Thanks for the good Job you are doing. Please let Ghanaians know that with crude price now at USD 135 per barrel, and still rising , we need to change
our attitudes and lifestyles. No new government could bring prices down.
Electorate be ware of vain promises to improve things when voted into power, and vote wisely
,
Kojo, the expression is ‘hook,line, and sinker’ , refering to your interview with teh Prof from Birmingham . Also you and your team shd consider sharing greetings formally as people learn from you. i am great you can sya provately but on air…………..is pushing it.
keep up the good work.
I think the politicians might be toning down on the rhetorics but unfortunately their supposed staunch supporters or follows are not. tune in to most of the radio stations in Kumasi and its all about the negatives of politics. Some presenters of these stations are not helping they instigate these people on the stations through their phone in segments on the spot reporting. its quite sad and i believe the GJA should be monitoring these program on the radio stations in Kumasi and call them to order before it gets out of hand.
All the same i think prof Mills is a citizen of this country and desires to be hououred. I want to put it to all Ghanaians that no mather what the n.d.c has contributed enough for yhe development of this countryA country that came out of millitary rule and ruled by a SIX FORMER ,Who did not intend to do any thig he did negative when was in power and as such left office in peace without………………desire to be praise.
infact politicians should be specific about the way they present themselves, i personally do not understand why ghanaians are interested in criticism we have to learn to be sincere to our selfs and fight for our right
i would like to know what has happend to the myjoyonline.com, i used to be able to listen to programs like News File, Sms and mid-day news, now i cannot find them anywhere on the Myjoyonline.com website. I would like to know what i have to do to activate them.
Thank you,
G. Attu
kojo u are really making all pojobas proud.keep the gud work up,as a matter of fact these politicians we ve in these era ve nothin gud 2 offer,if we had these belly politicians in the 40s during the independence struggle believe u me we wld not ve been liberated.They shd be ashamed of themselves.Ghana first n that is what every Ghanaian must know.May God give u the strength n wisdom to work.Regards 2 all pojobas at joy,Gizo n the likes.God blz
Kojo,
Could you please encourage the team uploading the shows to be a bit more consistent? Thanks!
kojo
it will interest us to know that the NPP gov’t has than very well in responding to the needs of the people since 2001till date. so why shld the NDC which had 8years of democratic rule with 11years of PNDC and did nothing for ghana think that now they have something to offer us.
we know that the NDC has nothing to offer ghanaians that is why Atta Mills when asked about his energy policy for ghana will say we should waite for him to winn power so that he can toy with us.
Atta Mills knows has failed us in the past, today and will do same in the future. i will advice the NDC to just stop wasting its little resourceses bcos ghana has decided and it is NPP all the way, Nana Addo our next leader and president.
kojo politics is all abt votes thus politicians say what we want to hear. if we want issue based politics they will give us n otherwise. thus political talk is demand driven so dont blame them. all the best 2 the super morning show team
I am really impressed that Kojo does not only run the morning show but has his head in all the right places. In as much as I respect the freedom of speech, it is obvious from the comments on most of the sites how ignorant and laid-back ghanaians are. How many ask about issues that define their future…..education, health, energy, security et al. Everybody is NDC this…(sic) NPP that…..(sic) Ghana can only be developed by Ghanaians for Ghanaians and I feel very sorry that the so-called educated elite are the bufoons spearheading this ignorance. Anyway Cheers to your blog Boss and trust me you balze the trail. Lets catch up on a drink when I get back into the country.
what issues are you talking about.
Kojo, i have an issue with you ! When you interviewed Dr Apraku this morning, and he told you that they dont have their manifesto out yet because they normally have it out late in the year, you did not jump on him. The fact that they always wait till almost election to release a manifesto does not make it acceptable !!! They need to release their manifestos and they need to do it NOW !!! If we are going to try and replicate democracies in advanced nations, we need to do it right. How do they expect us to justify our votes for them, if they dont give us time to think about what they are offering the general public? How can you even begin a campaign without a manifesto? Let it be known to all political parties that some of us vote based on who is offering better and more pragmatic solutions to our problems so the earlier they release their manifesto, the better.
I disagree if we say the aspirants are focusing on issues. All they have been doing is vague talk and the usual promises. They have to answer these questions regarding the issues
1. How would they carry out what they promise?
2. What has made it impossible for previous governments to address those issues?
3. How would they raise money to address the issues considering the “NO MONEY syndrome” that has faced Ghana for years?
4. How would they ensure that the measures they put in place to address those issues are sustained? We have initiated programs which we have never been able to sustain for even 3 years.
I would also be glad if they will state their positions on the following issues:
1. The number of ministers that the nation really needs
2. The issue of appointing the majority of ministers from parliament;
3. The “coupling” or “decoupling” of the ministry of Justice and the AG’s Department- This was one of the recommendations from the APRM. The creation of the ministry of Chiftaincy was carried out swiftly but that on the Min of Justice and the AG’s Department is yet to be seen.
4. The appointment of DCEs by the president. Before President Kuffuor came to power he promised that they will be elected but nothing has been seen after almost 8 years in office.
Hi Kojo, please try to bring Mr Blankson, the AMA Chief Executive to your studios to answer why hawkers have virtually taken over the street in Accra Central.
Kojo, what kind of policy makers do we have in Ghana, do they act based on emotion or by analysis. They always have poor judgement. With all due respect to judge Abban what kind of human right abuse is this.
ghanaian’s are say that john mensa is loosing his form which never so is because of the prayer been par when they played matches
so they should look for the right prayer to par with him and ghanaian’s will begin to see the good form of john
i want to know whether nana akufo addo would also be interview by the economist affairrs and when will be the date and the time
Regard
osei kwadwo
just curious, are you married?
Hi ,Kojo, the public universities are simply taking Ghanaian students for a ride with these rocketing fees they charge students these days.There are no lecture rooms ,especially at the university of education, winneba, where I school currently.This is unfortunate!
Indeed! Ghana is a free and highly democratic country. Why am i saying this? if anyone doubts this he/she must travel around the world and see the distinction between politicians and citizens.
Ghanaikans are the most outspoken people when it comes to political issues and and each individual in Ghana now is a potential politician since any body at all can address issues pertaining to governance without any poitical or academic experieknce.
My prfaise goes to Ghana Journalist Association and the media for their intent education.
Ledts enjoy this freedom and not exploit it by asking qujestgions that are off-hook only to discredit our opponents.
Long live Ghana!
OPUSU, Rep. of South Africa
Indeed! Ghana is a free and highly democratic country. Why am i saying this? if anyone doubts this he/she must travel around the world and see the distinction between politicians and citizens.
Ghanaikans are the most outspoken people when it comes to political issues and and each individual in Ghana now is a potential politician since any body at all can address issues pertaining to governance without any poitical or academic experience.
My praise goes to Ghana Journalist Association and the media for their intent education.
Lets enjoy this freedom and not exploit it by asking questions and alterances that are off-hook only to discredit our opponents.
Long live Ghana!
OPUSU, Rep. of South Africa
Continue the good job Kojo. I like your dedication and profesionalism in taking journalism to the next level in Ghana.
to your whole crew-i say kudos. you guys are doing a great job