24/7 Campaigning is a Habit, Not Democracy – Constitution Review Chair

Introduction

In the landscape of Ghanaian politics, the concept of perpetual campaigning has become a normalized, yet controversial, fixture. Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, the Executive Director of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, has recently ignited a national conversation by challenging this status quo. He argues that the relentless cycle of political rallies, billboards, and campaign messaging—often stretching across the entire four-year governance cycle—is not a necessary evil of democratic practice. Instead, he describes it as a “habit” that the nation has chosen to indulge in.

This perspective shifts the blame from the political system itself to the collective choices of its citizens and leaders. By drawing comparisons with neighboring democracies like Senegal, Prof Prempeh illustrates that regulating campaign periods is not only possible but essential for focused governance. This article explores his insights, the background of Ghana’s political culture, and the practical implications of transitioning to a regulated electoral calendar.

Key Points

Background

The Culture of Perpetual Campaigning

Ghana’s Fourth Republic has seen a distinct evolution in political engagement. While political parties have always been active, the intensity and visibility of campaigning have escalated. It is not uncommon to see party paraphernalia, billboards, and hear campaign jingles years before an election is due. This phenomenon creates an environment where governance often takes a backseat to politicking. Political analysts often refer to this as the “incumbency disadvantage,” where the ruling party is in a constant defensive mode against an opposition that never truly goes into recess.

The Constitutional and Legal Framework

Currently, Ghana’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and association, which political parties interpret as the right to campaign at any time. However, the Public Elections Regulations (specifically C.I. 127 and its successors) do provide timelines for specific election-related activities, such as the nomination of candidates. Yet, there is a legal grey area regarding “political marketing” outside the immediate election window. Prof Prempeh’s argument suggests that legislative amendments could define specific “campaign seasons” without infringing on fundamental human rights.

Analysis

Deconstructing the “24/7” Habit

Professor Prempeh’s assertion that 24/7 campaigning is a “call” (habit) rather than democracy is a profound critique of political culture. It suggests that the noise is not a requirement for a free society but a symptom of a lack of policy focus. When politicians campaign endlessly, they are often seeking to win the “mood” of the electorate rather than presenting tangible results. This continuous campaigning creates a “permanent campaign” mode, where short-term populist measures are prioritized over long-term strategic planning.

The Senegal Comparison: A Model of Discipline

Prof Prempeh’s reference to Senegal is pivotal. In Senegal, a robust democracy in West Africa, the transition from ordinary times to election mode is distinct. As Prempeh noted, “You will see no posters, nothing.” This is not because Senegalese citizens have fewer rights, but because they have established norms and regulations that respect the election calendar. The absence of billboards and jingles allows the voter to focus on governance during non-election periods. This disciplined approach prevents voter fatigue and ensures that when campaigns do start, they carry more weight.

The “NPP/NDC Exceptionalism” Trap

A major barrier to reform in Ghana is the belief that the rivalry between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is unique and unmanageable. Prempeh dismisses this insularity. He argues that every democracy has its dominant parties and tensions. By viewing the NPP/NDC dynamic as a unique “planet” unto itself, Ghanaian stakeholders box themselves into a corner where reform is seen as impossible. This mindset prevents the adoption of global best practices that could actually lower the temperature between the two major parties.

Practical Advice

How Ghana Can Regulate Campaign Seasons

To move from the current state of perpetual campaigning to a regulated system, several practical steps could be considered:

1. Legislative Framework: Parliament could pass amendments to the Public Elections Regulations that explicitly define a “Campaign Period.” This window could perhaps start 90 or 120 days before the election.
2. Billboard and Media Moratoriums: A strict ban on paid political advertising (billboards, TV/Radio jingles) outside the official window. This levels the playing field and reduces the financial burden on political parties.
3. Focus on Governance: Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the media must enforce the narrative. When politicians bring up election issues years in advance, journalists and citizens should pivot the conversation back to current governance and policy.
4. Internal Discipline: Political parties must be encouraged to use the “off-season” for internal restructuring and policy development rather than public rallies.

Addressing the Pushback

Reform will face resistance from political communicators who rely on constant noise to remain relevant. To counter this, the public must be educated on the benefits: reduced noise pollution, less traffic congestion due to rallies, and a political class that is focused on delivering development projects rather than campaigning for the next vote.

FAQ

Conclusion

Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh’s critique of 24/7 campaigning offers a vital roadmap for deepening Ghana’s democracy. By reframing perpetual campaigning as a bad habit rather than a democratic necessity, he empowers citizens and policymakers to demand change. The examples of Senegal and Sierra Leone prove that West African nations can adopt disciplined, calendar-based electioneering without sacrificing political freedoms.

For Ghana to mature, it must break the cycle of the “permanent campaign.” Doing so would likely improve the quality of governance, reduce political tension, and allow the electorate to judge leaders on their performance rather than their campaign stamina. The call to action is clear: Ghanaians must stop permitting the noise and start demanding the discipline that defines a truly mature democracy.