Before Casting a Ballot for a President or an MP

Dear Reader,

Answer these questions honestly before casting your vote this election cycle. Do not be swayed by empty promises. Consider real accomplishments and evaluate every leader one-by-one.

1. Character: Is this leader honorable? Is he or she trustworthy? What is his or her personal conduct in the community? Is she respectful?
2. Personal Achievement: How successful have they been in their personal endeavors?
3. Local and National Accomplishments: What have they accomplished locally as well as nationally for the electorate? Consider the following:
4. Schools: What improvements have they made to your local elementary, secondary, or tertiary schools?
5. Jobs: What new employment opportunities have they created in your community? What help have they offered to local businesses especially farmers? What programs have been implemented (implemented not promised)?
6. Food: What help have they offered to the agricultural and food industry?
7. Health: What have they done to improve health care in your community? Do you have a clinic or a hospital within reach? How well do the doctors or nurses take care of you when you go to the hospital? Is health care more affordable now or more expensive?
8. Water, Electricity, and Sanitation: Do you have better access to water, electricity, and toilet facilities? What has this leader in particular, done to improve upon these utilities?
9. Transportation: How are your local roads? What is the cost of transportation these days under this leader?
10. Unity: Does this leader unite or divide members of the community?
Please include the above in the evaluation system you will use this electoral season. Evaluate every leader on a personal basis. Don’t let them hide under the cover of party. Choose your own representative and don’t let anyone choose for you.

Be guided by the old adage, “Kwatrekwa se obema wo ntoma a, tie ne din” (Translation: “If the naked promises you a cloth, pay attention to its name”).
Happy and safe elections

Nana Owusu-Nkwantabisa