Will last-minute infrastructure unveilings influence voters in 2024?

As Ghana nears another pivotal election, the ruling government has revived a familiar tradition: the last-minute inauguration of development projects. From roads and hospitals to schools and housing units, these eleventh-hour unveilings are often presented as evidence of the government’s commitment to national progress.

Yet history suggests such strategies rarely influence voter behavior. The 2016 electoral defeat of then-President John Dramani Mahama, despite a flurry of infrastructure inaugurations, stands as a stark reminder.

Now, with Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia emerging as a key contender in the 2024 elections, it is worth asking: Will this approach make any meaningful impact on voter decisions? Or will it merely reinforce the perception that politicians underestimate the intelligence and expectations of the electorate?

In 2016, the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) built its campaign around its extensive infrastructure projects, from the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange to the ultramodern Ridge Hospital and numerous roads and schools.

However, despite this visible development agenda, Ghanaians voted decisively for change, delivering a resounding victory to Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The message from voters was clear: while infrastructure is appreciated, it cannot compensate for economic hardships, corruption concerns, and unemployment. Mahama’s last-minute inauguration spree failed to close the widening gap between the government and the people.

When projects are unveiled close to elections, they often appear as desperate attempts to win favour rather than sincere developmental efforts. The electorate may wonder why these initiatives weren’t prioritized earlier in the government’s term.

Moreover, many of these projects are either incomplete or rushed, raising doubts about their quality and sustainability. Ghanaians are increasingly discerning, demanding more than ceremonial ribbon-cuttings.

Elections are typically decided on broader issues such as economic stability, governance, social welfare, and trust in leadership. While infrastructure is important, it cannot overshadow these larger concerns.

With access to more information and a growingly informed populace, voters are less likely to be swayed by symbolic gestures. They demand accountability, inclusive policies, and long-term planning.

As the NPP gears up for the 2024 elections, Dr Bawumia must confront the limitations of the “last-minute project” strategy. His campaign must focus on addressing critical national issues, including the cost of living, youth unemployment, and healthcare accessibility, rather than relying on the unveiling of infrastructure as a primary electoral tool.

If history serves as a guide, Ghanaians will evaluate him on December 7 not by the projects inaugurated in the government’s final days but by its overall performance and his vision for the nation’s future.

It is time for politicians to abandon the notion that infrastructure alone can secure electoral victories. Instead, development should be seen as an ongoing responsibility ingrained in governance, not a tool for electoral advantage.

Politicians must respect the electorate’s intelligence, engaging them meaningfully on issues that truly affect their lives. Last-minute gestures, increasingly viewed as hollow and insincere, will only deepen the growing disillusionment with the political class.

As Ghana approaches December 7, political parties must adopt genuine, consistent, and people-centred governance strategies. Anything less risks further alienating an already sceptical electorate.