What do you believe is the single most important factor driving up the cost of living in Nigeria?

As Ghana approaches the 2024 presidential election, one fact is clear: it’s a three-horse race between former President John Mahama, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and Alan Kyerematen, the former Trade and Industry Minister.

Each of these men has held significant power and responsibility in the country's governance, and in a serious nation, their track records would form the basis of their evaluation. But in this crucial moment, it is important for us, particularly the youth, to look beyond the political party we belong to and assess them based on what truly matters: competence, integrity, credibility, character, vision, and compassion.

For far too long, Ghanaian politics has been dominated by party loyalty, with the electorate largely voting along partisan lines. However, this has often come at the expense of national development. When politicians rise to power, their focus tends to shift toward consolidating their party's strength rather than prioritizing the country's progress. This election provides the youth, who make up about 70% of the voting population, the chance to change that narrative. We must demand leadership that is rooted in building the nation, not just maintaining the party structure.

Each of the three main presidential contenders has had the opportunity to shape the nation's future through their roles. We cannot overlook how the economy fared under John Mahama’s presidency. Dr. Bawumia, as Vice President and the government's chief economic strategist, is closely tied to the current state of the economy. Alan Kyerematen, as Trade and Industry Minister, introduced the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative, designed to transform local economies, and we cannot ignore its outcomes.

As young voters, it is vital to weigh the impact of their past actions on our future. While they may have policy proposals, it’s important to question whether they prioritize youth inclusion and national transformation. More importantly, the youth must look for a leader with the right policies to address both their immediate and future needs. Issues such as employment, skills development, housing, entrepreneurship, the cost of data, and the rising cost of living are of prime concern to young people. Any candidate who fails to prioritize these pressing issues should not be voted for. We need policies that not only tackle today’s economic challenges but also create sustainable opportunities for the youth in the long term.

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