Prof. Gyampo, Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana and President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana, University of Ghana chapter, has condemned the lavish lifestyles of current leaders, expressing concern that the desired ‘honeymoon’ period won’t be achieved if such extravagant practices persist.
He expressed that in the upcoming 2024 general elections, labor unions will cast their votes fueled by hunger and anger.
This comes in response to former President John Mahama’s plea for a ‘honeymoon’ period from voters, especially trade and labor groups, should he win the 2024 polls. Prof. Gyampo stressed that a reduction in luxurious living by the next president could garner more support from labor unions, highlighting the importance of addressing labor conditions regardless of the election outcome.
“Labour will vote based on hunger and anger. Whoever emerges victorious must do something, I’m telling you. If the kind of opulence the politicians of today enjoy or live in is sacrificed or reduced a little, you can meet labour halfway through. And so whoever emerges victorious or winner, if that leader or that person decides that they are not going to go with the route of the present-day leaders, then there will be enough to be saved to meet labour halfway through,” he said
“Let the austerity measures be implemented such that they affect everybody, from the presidency level to the daily-rated employee of the land. Let everyone feel it. If we are all made to go through the austerity measures, then if the leader says, Tighten your belt, and we see the leader has tightened his belt, then we will all follow suit,” he added
He stated that the enforcement of stringent economic measures designed to alleviate the government’s budget deficit has an impact on the entire populace, encompassing even those who are less priviledged.