In Ghana, corruption remains a pressing concern. This is because a significant portion of Ghana’s natural resources such as gold, manganese, bauxite, and diamonds, are lost due to corruption. Many institutions and departments demand bribes for services, perpetuating inequality and poverty.
I represented these issues in an AI-generated drawing to capture the texture of the murky world of politics, where shadows dance and secrets are whispered. I have captured this moment fraught with tension during elections in Ghana.
Scene: Dimly lit polling station: The setting itself is symbolic. The dimness represents the opacity of corruption. The rumor in town indicates that in Ghana, politics are not always won through campaign speech but thrive in the shadows, away from public scrutiny through unseen actions before, during, and after the election. Voters could find their votes in the ballot box before the election by any means or they manoeuvre their votes into the ballot box during the election. On the other hand, you can act just like the unseen hand right from the flag: eliminating votes that will go against you before they get to a higher department.
Faded Ghana Flag: The crumbled and faded flickering flag held by the man hints at the fragility of democracy. It symbolizes broken promises. They once represented hope, but now they hang like ghosts, their ink fading into oblivion. The electorate’s trust erodes with each colour fading.
The Ballot Box: The metal ballot box, dented and scratched, is a metaphor for democracy. It collects votes—the currency of power. The electorate's proximity to it underscores his pivotal role.
Texture: The thick, layered strokes evoke struggle. This technique amplifies the tactile quality. The weight of the electorate's decision is felt in the roughness of the ballot sheets.
Hope and Despair: The image teeters on a precipice. Will electorates nowadays choose integrity, preserving hope for the nation? Or will they succumb, plunging into despair?
Message
- Corruption: The silent exchange echoes louder than any campaign speech. Votes are made, but at what cost to the nation?
- Choice: In this shadowed room, will electorates in our era safeguard integrity or surrender to darkness?
Remember, art mirrors reality and invites personal interpretation, each viewer may bring their lens as you gaze upon "Shadows of Compromise," may this inspire us to seek justice within our narratives.
- Conversation with Copilot, 26/07/2024
- Descriptive prompt: create a picture of bribery during election in Ghanaian contexts using any drawing technique.
Christopher Okai is a third-year student in the Department of Art Education at the University of Education, Winneba. He's a visual artist with a strong leaning towards Graphic Design and enjoys exploring the intersection of creativity and technology. His heart lies in designing visuals that communicate powerful ideas and leave a lasting impact. Outside of art, he enjoys activities like football, table tennis, music, and video games for creative recharge and inspiration.