“Ghanaians are not timid people as has been suggested in the foreign press. Far from it. They may be slow to anger, and may take time to organise and act. But once they are ready they strike, and strike hard. It pays no one to tamper with Ghanaian freedom and dignity”…. By Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

The 2024 elections represented a significant change to Ghana's political landscape. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has achieved a historic win since independence, with a large majority in Parliament. This resounding victory demonstrates the Ghanaian people's desire for change and their faith in the NDC's promise to reset the country and steer it in a better direction. Ghanaians are tremendously upset with the Akufo-Addo - Bawumia administration, and they've showed it in this election.

Ghanaians are angered by the cronyism, haircuts for domestic bondholders, bank collapse, hypocrisy, impunity, arrogance, corruption, complacency, greed, selfishness, overborrowing, which benefits only a few whenever Ghana borrows, the murder of eight people in the 2020 election, and so on.

The average Ghanaian expects accountability and genuine apologies from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during their reign for the many problems that have plagued the country throughout their rule. The current government is not a good listener; it never hears the people's cries.

Many Ghanaians believe the Akufo-Addo - Bawumia administration has refused to accept responsibility for the country's economic woes, such as the banking sector cleanup disaster, which resulted in widespread unemployment, excessive borrowing, corruption, and other worries.

Instead, the NPP has repeatedly deflected blame onto others while failing to sincerely turn around on its failures. They disrespect Ghanaians' intelligence by blaming everything on NDC, COVID and the Russia-Ukraine war. Persons who blame everyone but themselves.

As the NDC prepares to take the reins, it is essential to acknowledge the lessons of the past. The party's complacency in the 2016 elections led to a shocking defeat. However, it appears that the NDC has learned from its mistakes and is now more focused than ever on delivering on its promises.

The contrast between former President Mahama and the incumbent, President Akufo-Addo, could not be starker. While Mahama has consistently demonstrated a commitment to doing what is right for Ghana, Akufo-Addo's administration has been marred by arrogance, rudeness, and a disturbing lack of accountability.

NPP top leaders who lost their parliamentary seats in this election should reflect on their own actions rather than blaming others for their defeat. The fact that they were unable to tell the truth to President Akufo-Addo in the face of citizen complaints about the state of the country is a damning indictment of their leadership. However, Ken Ofori-Atta's actions in the Ministry of Finance have completely contributed to the NPP's catastrophic defeat. This also resulted in the horrific agony of innocent domestic bondholders.

The NDC must keep in mind the trust that Ghanaians have placed in them when they assume power. Since young people in particular have trusted the party, it is imperative that their issues be recognised and resolved. Despite knowing he only had four years, Mahama pledged to accomplish a lot. Any justification for failing any of your promises to Ghanaians will not be tolerated.

The NDC's commitment to reset the country and guide it in a better direction is a lofty goal, but one that is sorely required. The party must work relentlessly to recover looted funds and prosecute all those responsible. President Akufo-Addo should not be spared; he must face prosecution within three years of leaving office. That should make leaders accountable. Additionally, Mahama must address the country's economic issues and restore government accountability and openness. No more IMF. He should never utilize his parliamentary majority to rubber stamp bills. For the next four years, leave the best legacy in the lives of the people of Ghana rather than erecting statues.

As the NDC begins its journey, we, the citizens must remain vigilant and hold them accountable for their actions. No honeymoon period, no excuses – we expect results, and we expect them now. The NDC must remember that they are not only accountable to their party faithful but to the entire nation.

As we embark on this new chapter in Ghana's history, we must remain committed to the principles of democracy, accountability, and transparency. The NDC has been given a mandate to lead, and it is our duty as citizens to ensure that they lead wisely and justly. As citizens, we must be active participants so that we do not expect the government to do everything for us. The major goal is to obtain an enabling environment from the government.

In the words of the great Nelson Mandela, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Let us rise together, as a nation, and demand the best from our leaders. The future of Ghana depends on it.