Hello, my name is Dede Nyansapo. I am an entrepreneur who also participates in Accra’s burgeoning gig economy as a driver. My love for meeting fascinating people and my curiosity about how they think usually places me in the midst of some very entertaining conversations. Invariably, these conversations lead to some key learnings that may be useful to anyone on their business journey.
Episode 19: Is voting still a responsiblity?
As I waited for my next passengers, I turned the radio on to CitiFM, one of the better stations in Accra and caught the tail end of a discussion between the host and his guests about voter apathy towards the upcoming presidential elections and what it meant about Ghana’s citizens. Soon enough, my passengers, two brothers named Mensah and Kyei, hopped into my car, and our trip began. Mensah waseager to explain to Kyei why voting, despite his scepticism, is a fundamental responsibility for anyone who cares about the future of our country. I was eager to see where their conversation would end.
Mensah: Kyei, have you registered to vote yet?
Kyei: Nope, I haven’t. Honestly, I don’t see the point, Mensah. What’s one vote going to change? Politicians are all the same anyway.
Mensah: I understand why you might feel that way, but not voting isn’t the solution. We have a responsibility to participate in the democratic process.
Kyei: But why? They never keep their promises, and it’s not like my vote is going to swing the election.
Mensah: True, one vote might not seem like much, but think about it: democracy relies on everyone’s participation. Each vote is a building block in the foundation of our society. If everyone thought their vote didn’t matter, we wouldn’t have a functioning democracy.
Kyei: I get that, but it’s hard to trust any of these politicians. They all just seem to be in it for themselves.
Mensah: It can be frustrating, but that’s even more reason to vote. If you don’t like the candidates, research and find the one who best aligns with your values or supports the issues that matter most to you. Change happens gradually, but it starts with us holding our leaders accountable.
Kyei: But how do I know my vote will actually hold anyone accountable? They get elected, and then it’s business as usual.
Mensah: Accountability is a continuous process, Kyei. Voting is just one step. After elections, we need to stay informed, attend town hall meetings, and communicate with our representatives. Democracy isn’t just about voting; it’s about staying engaged.
Kyei: Okay, but what if I don’t like any of the candidates? Should I still vote?
Mensah: Absolutely. If you don’t like any of the candidates, you can always vote for the one who is least harmful or who you think might bring about some positive change. You can also advocate for better candidates in future elections. Voting sends a message that you care about what happens in your country.
Kyei: It’s hard to believe my one vote sends any message at all.
Mensah: Think of it like this: voting is a collective action. Your vote, combined with others who share your views, can make a significant impact. Plus, when voter turnout is high, it shows that the public is engaged and politicians take notice. They are more likely to listen to an engaged electorate.
Kyei: But the system seems so rigged. Sometimes it feels like the big corporations and wealthy individuals have all the power.
Mensah: That’s a valid concern, and it’s true that money and influence play a big role in politics. But voting is one of the few tools we have to push back. It’s our way of saying that we, the people, still have a voice. Grassroots movements and voter coalitions have historically driven significant change despite the odds.
Kyei: I see your point, but I’m still skeptical. How can my vote really compete with the influence of big money?
Mensah: It’s not just about competing with big money; it’s about building a movement. When people come together and vote, they can outnumber the influence of money. Look at history – civil rights, women’s suffrage, labour rights – these movements succeeded because ordinary people stood up and made their voices heard, often through voting.
Kyei: Okay, but what about when the choices are bad? Voting for the lesser evil still feels like supporting a broken system.
Mensah: I get that. It’s not always about choosing between perfect and terrible, but about pushing for progress in the right direction. Sometimes it’s about damage control, other times it’s about incremental improvement. And remember, local elections are just as important as national ones. They often have more direct impact on our daily lives.
Kyei: Local elections? I hadn’t really thought about those. What difference do they make?
Mensah: A lot. Local officials make decisions on education, transportation, public safety, and housing. These are issues that affect us daily. Your vote in local elections can bring about immediate change in your community.
Kyei: That makes sense. I hadn’t considered that. But isn’t it overwhelming to stay informed about all these elections?
Mensah: It can be, but there are resources to help. News outlets, community groups, and even social media can provide information on candidates and issues. It’s about making the effort to educate yourself and then making informed choices.
Kyei: But what if I make the wrong choice? What if I regret my vote?
Mensah: There’s always that risk, but democracy allows us to correct our course. Elections are frequent, and if a leader doesn’t live up to expectations, we can vote them out next time. What’s important is that you participate and do your best with the information you have.
Kyei: You’re making a lot of good points, Mensah. But I’m still not entirely convinced. Can you give me a concrete example of how voting has made a difference?
Mensah: Sure. Look at healthcare reforms in many countries. In places where people actively voted for leaders who supported universal healthcare, significant changes were made that improved millions of lives. Or consider environmental policies – countries with strong voter support for green initiatives have made great strides in sustainability.
Kyei: Those are pretty big changes. I guess I hadn’t really thought about how collective voting can lead to such outcomes.
Mensah: Exactly. And it’s not just about the big issues. Smaller, everyday matters are also influenced by our votes. Policies on education, minimum wage, and public transport are all shaped by elected officials. Our votes determine who makes these decisions.
Kyei: Okay, I’m starting to get it. Voting isn’t just about the big picture, but about our daily lives too.
Mensah: Right. And remember, it’s not just about who wins. High voter turnout can shift the political conversation, even if your candidate doesn’t win. It shows that the public cares about certain issues, forcing all politicians to address them.
Kyei: That’s true. I suppose if more people voted thoughtfully, we could influence the issues that matter most.
Mensah: Definitely. It’s about building momentum and showing that the electorate is engaged and informed. It can lead to more responsive and accountable governance.
Kyei: Alright, Mensah, you’ve convinced me. I’ll register and vote. But I’ll hold you responsible if I regret it!
Mensah: (laughs) Fair enough. But remember, it’s a collective effort. The more people who think like us, the better the system will work. Welcome to the democratic process, Kyei.
Kyei: Thanks, Mensah. I guess it’s time to start paying more attention to the issues and candidates. Maybe my vote can make a difference after all.
Mensah: It definitely can, Kyei. And together, we can work towards a better future for our country. Every vote counts, and every voice matters.
As I dropped off Mensah and Kyei at their destination, I couldn’t help but reflect on their conversation. Mensah’s points resonated deeply with me. He eloquently argued that every vote is a building block of democracy, emphasizing that collective action through voting can drive significant change. He highlighted the importance of staying engaged beyond election day, advocating for informed voting and continuous participation in local and national issues. Mensah’s conviction that voting is not just a right but a responsibility, crucial for holding leaders accountable and influencing the policies that shape our daily lives, was inspiring. His belief in the power of the electorate to push for progress, even in the face of skepticism and disillusionment, reminded me why it’s essential for each of us to make our voices heard. As I drove away, I felt a renewed sense of purpose in my own role as a voter and a member of our vibrant community.
