The Politics of Palliatives: A Short-Term Fix, A Long-Term Curse …. Rev Seth Kunkpe.

The Politics of Palliatives: A Short-Term Fix, A Long-Term Curse …. Rev Seth Kunkpe.

In the just-ended elections in Ghana, one striking feature that stood out was the massive resources channeled by both the incumbent government and opposition parties into campaign paraphernalia. T-shirts, bags, caps, and other branded items flooded the streets. Some politicians went beyond these, offering bicycles, food, and temporary relief measures, all in a desperate bid to secure votes. While the intentions behind such actions may be debatable, one undeniable truth remains—these short-term giveaways largely contribute to the underdevelopment of our nations.

It is appalling how politicians, who enjoy the privileges of their offices for nearly four years, suddenly appear a few months before an election with gifts, hoping to buy the favor of the people. This phenomenon, which I term The Politics of Palliatives, is a dangerous trend that keeps our citizens in a cycle of poverty and dependency. It is not that palliatives in themselves are evil; rather, the problem is that these temporary acts of goodwill do nothing to address the systemic issues that keep people in hardship.

A People Moved by Temporary Gifts

African politics, especially in Ghana and Nigeria, has been reduced to a transactional affair where voters exchange their power for short-term benefits. Politicians understand this and exploit it. They know that the average citizen, struggling with economic hardship, will easily be swayed by a bag of rice, a piece of cloth, or a small sum of money. This is a tragedy..Look at how T-shirts alone flooded our streets in the last election. You will be surprised that the only reason someone may deny you his vote was because he did not receive your t -shirts.
In the nation of Nigeria,the situation is even if much concern. The amount of palliative politicians budget for is overwhelming to say the least.

The people who receive these gifts often fail to ask deeper questions:

Why are these same politicians not present when our roads are bad?

Where are they when hospitals lack medicine?

Why do they only remember us when elections are near?

A wise African proverb states, “The child who only receives gifts when a visitor arrives should question his parents’ love.” How will you feel when your mummy only gives you a gift when the well to do sister is around? In the same way, citizens must begin to question the sincerity of politicians who only become generous in election seasons

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The Real Cost of Political Palliatives

The problem with the politics of palliatives is that it creates a government that thrives on deception. It rewards those who use short-term fixes instead of sustainable development plans. Worse still, it cultivates a culture where people expect handouts instead of demanding accountability.

When politicians spend millions on giveaways instead of infrastructure, the nation suffers. When public funds are diverted to buy votes, schools remain underfunded, hospitals lack proper equipment, and job creation takes a backseat. After the elections, the same citizens who were momentarily excited by these gifts return to their harsh realities—unemployment, high cost of living, and poor public services.

The Bible warns about the deceitfulness of temporary relief. Proverbs 23:1-3 states, “When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you; and put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.” Many voters do not realize that the hand that feeds them during elections is the same hand that deprives them of lasting prosperity.

The Way Forward

If Africa is to develop, citizens must reject the politics of palliatives. We must refuse to be moved by short-term gifts and instead demand long-term policies that uplift communities. Politicians should be judged by their track record, not by their generosity in election years.

It is time to shift our mindset. Good governance is not about how many t-shirts a candidate distributes, but about how many jobs they create. It is about how well they manage resources to improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Citizens must begin to vote based on policies, not palliatives.

Also Read: MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE

True change will only come when people realize that their vote is too valuable to be bought with a piece of cloth or a bag of rice. Until then, the cycle will continue, and after every election, the temporary sweetness of political palliatives will leave the people in lasting pain.

I hope our people will move beyond palliatives and embrace implementable policies, programs and projects that bring an economic and social shift to our countries.

For the love of God society and young people
Blessings

Rev Seth Agbeli Kunkpe
Penfromafar…. writing to make things Right