Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has delivered a powerful message to African political leaders, calling for a fundamental shift from ballot-centered politics to policy-driven governance that delivers tangible results for citizens.
Speaking at the opening day of the 2025 African Political Parties Summit in Accra, Ghana’s first female Vice President challenged delegates from over 30 countries to prioritize substance over political theatrics.
The three-day summit, hosted at the Accra International Conference Centre, has brought together sitting heads of state, political leaders, policymakers, and governance advocates from across Africa and the Caribbean.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang called on African leaders to base electoral contests on policies rather than ballots, emphasizing that citizens deserve more than symbolic democracy.
Her message resonated strongly with attendees as she declared politics “empty” if divorced from real-world outcomes that transform lives.
“Power must not fracture our societies,” the Vice President stressed, urging leaders to move beyond what she termed symbolic democracy toward tangible reforms.
She challenged African politicians to focus on delivering concrete benefits including food security, decent employment opportunities, functional educational systems, accessible healthcare, robust infrastructure, and security for their populations.
The Vice President called on political parties on the African continent to prioritize national cohesion over the individual victories of political parties during elections.
This message struck at the heart of contemporary African politics, where partisan divisions often overshadow national development priorities.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, who was represented at the summit, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the importance of cooperation and tolerance among political parties to advance peace, development, and progress across the continent.
“Our people deserve more than politics for politics’ sake; they deserve food security, decent jobs, functional schools, healthcare, infrastructure, security,” she declared.
The summit represents a significant opportunity for African political parties to share experiences, strategies, and best practices in governance and democratic participation.
With delegates from over 30 countries participating, the event underscores the growing recognition that Africa’s political challenges require collaborative continental solutions.
The timing of the Vice President’s remarks is particularly significant, coming at a period when many African nations are grappling with economic challenges, security concerns, and growing citizen demands for accountable governance.
Her call for policy-focused competition rather than mere electoral contests reflects a maturing understanding of democratic governance across the continent.
As the summit continues over its three-day duration, participants are expected to engage in detailed discussions about strengthening democratic institutions, improving governance practices, and fostering greater cooperation among African political parties.
The Vice President’s opening message has set a tone that prioritizes citizen welfare over political maneuvering.
The 2025 African Political Parties Summit represents more than just a gathering of political elites; it embodies a vision for a transformed Africa where political competition serves development goals rather than personal or partisan interests.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang’s challenge to African leaders – to contest on policies rather than ballots – may well define the summit’s lasting impact on continental politics.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
