Beyond NDC and NPP @68: The Urgent Need for National Unity in Ghana

Ghana stands at a crossroads. Despite being one of Africa’s most stable democracies, our national discourse is increasingly overshadowed by a divisive political landscape dominated by the two major parties: the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This polarisation has hindered national progress, reduced critical debates to partisan bickering, and distracted from the pressing challenges that demand urgent attention.

The Real Issues Ghana Faces

While political parties continue their blame games, Ghanaians are grappling with real and immediate issues:

• Economic Hardships: Rising inflation, youth unemployment, and a high cost of living are affecting millions of citizens.
• Education and Healthcare: Despite some progress, accessibility and quality remain significant concerns, especially for those in rural areas.
• Corruption and Governance: Public funds are mismanaged, and accountability is often sacrificed for political expediency.
• Infrastructure Development: Roads, electricity, and water supply remain inadequate in many parts of the country.
• Agricultural and Industrial Growth: Our over-reliance on imports stifles local industries and leaves our economy vulnerable.

These are not NDC or NPP issues. They are Ghanaian issues that demand collective, bipartisan efforts to resolve.

The Significance of the 28th February Crossroads Shooting and Independence Day Celebrations

History reminds us that Ghana’s path to independence was paved with struggle and sacrifice. One significant event that contributed to our independence movement was the 28th February Crossroads Shooting. On that day in 1948, unarmed ex-servicemen peacefully protesting for their unpaid benefits were shot by British colonial police. This tragic event sparked nationwide unrest, leading to the demand for self-governance and ultimately culminating in Ghana’s independence on 6th March 1957.

Our Independence Day celebrations are a reminder of our sovereignty and a call to reflect on the unity and resilience that brought us freedom. It is a moment to recommit to the ideals of nationalism, progress, and development. If the sacrifices of those who fought for independence were made to pursue a better Ghana, we must ensure that our politics today does not betray their legacy.

How Partisan Politics is Holding Us Back

Every primary policy debate is reduced to political competition. Instead of analysing policies on their merit, decisions are often judged based on who proposes them. This has led to a cycle where:

• Policies and projects started by one administration are abandoned when another takes over.
• National development becomes secondary to party loyalty.
• Public officials prioritise party interests over the welfare of the people.

This is a dangerous path. When national development is sacrificed for political gain, ordinary Ghanaians suffer.

A Call for a New National Mindset

We must shift our focus from partisan politics to nation-building to move forward. Here’s how we can achieve that:

1. Bipartisan Policy Agreements: Key national projects like education, healthcare, and infrastructure must be shielded from political transitions. Cross-party agreements should ensure continuity regardless of which party is in power.
2. Public Accountability Beyond Party Lines: Citizens must hold leaders accountable based on performance, not party affiliation. An ineffective NPP or NDC government should be criticised equally.
3. Strengthening Institutions: Independent institutions like the Electoral Commission, Judiciary, and Anti-Corruption Agencies must be empowered to act without political interference.
4. Promoting Issue-Based Politics: Media platforms and civil society should drive discussions that focus on policies and national progress rather than party battles.
5. National Identity Over Political Identity: We must redefine what it means to be Ghanaian—not as an NDC or NPP supporter, but as a citizen committed to the nation’s growth.

Conclusion

Ghana is more significant than any political party. To progress as a nation, we must rise above the NDC-NPP divide and focus on policies, governance, and national development. The sacrifices made during the independence struggle, including events like the Crossroads Shooting, should remind us that unity, not division, will move Ghana forward. The future of our country depends not on which party is in power but on whether we can unite to tackle our common challenges. It’s time to put Ghana first.