In recent times, it has become increasingly evident that the Ghanaian youth are more interested in politics as a means of personal enrichment rather than a platform to genuinely develop the country. This trend is a cause for concern as it threatens the growth and development of Ghana as a nation.
Statistics show that a significant number of young people in Ghana have a desire to get into politics. In fact, according to a report by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), about 64% of Ghanaians aged 15 to 35 years are interested in politics. However, it is also evident that many of these young people view politics to acquire wealth and influence, rather than a means of serving the people and contributing to the country's development.
The lure of wealth and power has been a key motivation for young people to enter politics. According to the World Bank, the youth unemployment rate in Ghana was 12.7% in 2020. With limited job opportunities, many young people see politics as an avenue to make money quickly and easily.
According to a report by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) in 2014, some SOE managers in Ghana earned up to GHC 70,000 (approximately $12,000 USD) per month, which is more than 60 times the average monthly salary of a Ghanaian worker at the time.
Additionally, a 2019 report by the Auditor General's office revealed that some SOE managers in Ghana earned as much as GHC 100,000 (approximately $17,000 USD) per month, which is almost 100 times the average monthly salary of a Ghanaian worker.
One of the factors that contribute to this trend is the prevalence of corruption in Ghana's political landscape. Corruption has become a norm in Ghana, and many young people perceive politics as an avenue to gain access to public resources for their personal benefit. Additionally, the high unemployment rate in the country, coupled with the limited opportunities available for young people, makes politics an attractive option for many young people looking to make a living.
The focus on personal gain rather than national development has resulted in a situation where the Ghanaian youth are more concerned about securing positions in government and accumulating wealth rather than creating policies that will benefit the country. This trend is detrimental to Ghana's development as it undermines the country's ability to achieve its full potential.
However, the pursuit of wealth and power has come at a great cost to the country. Excessive borrowing by successive governments has led to a debt-to-GDP ratio of over 70%. This has resulted in the government spending a significant portion of its revenue on debt servicing, leaving little for investment in critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
Currently, State Owned Enterprises have become a breeding ground for corruption and patronage. These enterprises are often overstaffed, because successive governments want to recruit party loyalists to compensate them for their votes although it is beyond the capacity of the government. The implication is that, supporting a political party has become a definite way of securing a job which fails to acknowledge education, qualifications and essential expertise. This has resulted in a bloated public sector, which puts a strain on the government's finances.
It is time for the youth in Ghana to rise and demand accountability from their leaders. They must take responsibility for the future of their country and hold those in power accountable for their actions. Excessive borrowing, for example, is a policy that has plagued the Ghanaian economy and has led to high debt levels. The youth must demand that their leaders adopt policies that promote sustainable development and ensure that the country's resources are used for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
In conclusion, the trend of Ghanaian youth using politics as a means of personal enrichment rather than a platform for genuine development is a cause for concern. However, the youth have the power to effect change in their country. They must rise and demand better from their leaders, hold them accountable for their actions and work towards creating policies that promote sustainable development. The future of Ghana lies in the hands of its youth, and it is time for them to rise and build a better Ghana for all.
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