Tulips of Herald

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, offering citizens the opportunity to choose their leaders through the ballot, not the bullet.  Yet, in Ghana, the aftermath of elections is often marred by lawlessness, where mobs loot, vandalize property, and inflict harm on innocent people.  The recently concluded 2024 general elections were no exception, as reports of violent attacks surfaced once again.  These acts are not just stains on our democratic fabric they are crimes that deserve firm legal action. It is troubling that the perpetrators of these offenses are often labeled as "Party A supporters" or "Party B supporters" rather than being recognized for what they truly are criminals.  This framing shifts focus from justice to partisanship, enabling offenders to hide behind political allegiances.  Such a narrative not only emboldens future offenders but also trivializes the harm done to innocent Ghanaians.  People’s office...

 By Shine Kwawukumey  The Media Coalition Ghana, a consortium of key media bodies in the country, has lauded Ghanaians for the peaceful conduct of the 2024 general elections, while highlighting some key challenges and issuing calls for responsible behavior post-election. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Dwumfour, described the electoral process as one of the best in the nation’s history.  The Coalition, which includes the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), and New Media Association of Ghana (NMAG), assessed the elections based on reports from 276 volunteers deployed to constituencies nationwide. "The election processes have been generally peaceful despite some regrettable and avoidable challenges, including the loss of lives in certain areas," Mr....

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  In an unprecedented turn of events, Ghana’s political landscape has witnessed a series of historic firsts following the country's recent general elections.  From record-setting political comebacks to groundbreaking gender milestones, these events mark a new chapter in the nation's democratic journey. For the first time in Ghana's political history, a former president has been re-elected to lead the country.  John Dramani Mahama, who previously served as president from 2012 to 2017, has made a remarkable comeback.  His victory symbolizes a rare political rebound, earning him a place in the annals of Ghanaian and African history.  Mahama's return has been met with mixed reactions, with supporters hailing it as a testament to perseverance, while critics ponder its implications for Ghana's democratic trajectory. In another historic first, Ghana has elected its first-ever female vice president, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. ...

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  In a political landscape saturated with promises of change, Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as "Cheddar," and his New Force movement have sparked significant debate with a pledge to appoint only 12 ministers of state if elected.  At first glance, this may seem like an ambitious or even radical proposal, but on closer inspection, it signals a profound critique of the bloated bureaucracies that have characterized governance in many African nations, including Ghana. This promise is not just about reducing numbers; it is a bold declaration of intent to streamline government, curb wasteful spending, and foster efficiency in public administration.  Ghana has often faced criticism for maintaining overly large cabinets, which strain national resources while delivering minimal impact on development outcomes.  Bediako’s proposal is therefore a potential game-changer, reflecting the principles of a lean and responsive government. A smaller cabinet ...