The phrase “Caveat Suffragator” is derived from “Caveat Emptor” a term that warns buyers to be cautious and aware of the risks involved in a purchase.
Similarly, ‘Caveat Suffragator’ means ‘let the voter beware.’ As we prepare for this year’s election, voters are likely to encounter various tactics employed by politicians to win their hearts and admiration. While some gestures may seem inspirational, they are, in fact, mere ‘election tricks.’ I wish to alert voters to some of these tactics:
They will come to help you cook your food before elections, but afterwards, they introduce taxes that make food stuff unaffordable.
They will come to fetch water, clean your dishes, and even do your laundry, but after elections, they increase utility tariffs in the name of legacy debt.
They will come to sweep your room and your compound but after the election they will introduce a sanitation levy in name of raising revenue to keep the country clean.
They will come to the market to buy and sell with you, but later their policies will lead to high inflation.
They will eat and drink with you, but after elections, they organize expensive dinners at 5-star hotels to celebrate passing bills.
They will braid your hair, but after elections, you can’t even afford wigs due to the rising dollar against the cedi.
They will ride in trotros and face traffic with you, but afterwards, they demand sirens and police escorts to reach their destinations quickly.
They promise freebies and make empty promises, but after elections, they tell you they can’t deliver.
They come to campaign without asking about your qualifications, but after elections, they ask for qualifications for non-existent jobs and give those jobs to their cronies.
They will come to campaign very modestly but after the election question your locus of demanding for your right.
Their telephone lines are active 24/7 during campaigns, but afterwards, they ignore your calls or change their numbers.
They will honour all forms of invitations before elections even when invited. But after elections complain of too many invitations and why a particular invitation was not sent on time.
When in government, they reduce prices to win votes, but when re-elected, they introduce more levies to recoup losses. They give with one hand and take with the other.
In opposition, they see the poor and vulnerable, but in government, they become blind to their struggles and label them as lazy and witches.
They offer solutions to national issues during campaigns but become clueless when elected.
They will organize weekly games and health walks to keep you active and healthy, but after the declaration of the results, they forget that they were once ‘sports ministers’.
They promise to protect your rights but abuse them when in power. They promise to be the Messiah but end up being Judas.
These are some of the tactics employed by ‘campaign 419s’ that you will witness during this campaign period. Don’t fall prey to them. They may not be genuine signs of caring, but rather clever ways of garnering votes.
We can’t say they are all the same. No. All the candidates are not the same. Some are truly humane and kindhearted, and others are mean and very hardhearted.
The true nature of their campaigns is only revealed after the election. It is then that you will realize their genuine intentions and the actual implications of their promises, but sadly, the damage would have already been done. It is important to evaluate candidates based on their policies, track records, and vision for Ghana’s future. We must look beyond party affiliations, ethnicity, and personal relationships. Instead, we should focus on the qualities and qualifications that make a leader worthy of our trust.
As we prepare to cast our ballots, let us remember that there are no campaigns after the election and our votes have the power to shape Ghana’s destiny. We must consider the long-term consequences of our decisions. Will our choice lead to job creation, economic growth, improved healthcare, quality education, equal opportunities for all and national unity? Or will it perpetuate mismanagement, corruption, inequality, etc.?
Concluding with the words of Archbishop Duncan Williams: “Your vote counts, and may your vote be for the good of Ghana, not for selfish interests.” May we choose leaders who will work tirelessly for the betterment of Ghana, rather than personal gain.
Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.
2024 elections Caveat suffragator.
Pax tecum
Rev. Fr. Stephen Kofi Sakpaku