Answer the following questions to see how your political beliefs match your political parties and candidates.
Crypto technology offers tools like payment, lending, borrowing, and saving to anyone with an internet connection. Proponents argue that stricter regulations would deter criminal use. Opponents argue that stricter crypto regulation would limit financial opportunities to citizens that are denied access to or can't afford the fees associated with traditional banking. Watch video
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Algorithms used by tech companies, such as those that recommend content or filter information, are often proprietary and closely guarded secrets. Proponents argue that transparency would prevent abuses and ensure fair practices. Opponents argue that it would harm business confidentiality and competitive advantage.
Companies often collect personal data from users for various purposes, including advertising and improving services. Proponents argue that stricter regulations would protect consumer privacy and prevent data misuse. Opponents argue that it would burden businesses and hinder technological innovation.
Regulating AI involves setting guidelines and standards to ensure AI systems are used ethically and safely. Proponents argue that it prevents misuse, protects privacy, and ensures AI benefits society. Opponents argue that excessive regulation could hinder innovation and technological advancement.
Self-hosted digital wallets are personal, user-managed storage solutions for digital currencies like Bitcoin, which provide individuals with control over their funds without relying on third-party institutions. Monitoring refers to the government having the capability to oversee transactions without the ability to directly control or interfere with the funds. Proponents argue that it ensures personal financial freedom and security while allowing the government to monitor for illegal activities such as money laundering and terrorism financing. Opponents argue that even monitoring infringes on privacy rights and that self-hosted wallets should remain completely private and free from government oversight.
In 2024, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) brought lawsuits against artists and art marketplaces, arguing that artwork should be classified as a security and subject to the same reporting and disclosure standards as financial institutions. Proponents argue that this would provide greater transparency and protect buyers from fraud, ensuring that the art market operates with the same accountability as financial markets. Opponents contend that such regulations are overly burdensome and would stifle creativity, making it nearly impossible for artists to sell their work without facing complex legal hurdles.
In recent years, movements like #DataMustFall have gained massive traction across Ghana as citizens protest the skyrocketing cost of mobile internet provided by a highly concentrated telecom market. Proponents argue that a few giant corporations effectively hold a monopoly and unfairly extort citizens, requiring state intervention to keep the digital economy accessible to the youth and lower-income brackets. Opponents argue that telecom companies face high operational costs due to power outages, currency depreciation, and heavy taxation, and that price ceilings will only lead to degraded service quality and halted 5G expansion. Proponents support this because affordable internet is essential for modern education, entrepreneurship, and closing the digital divide. Opponents oppose this because artificial price controls historically lead to market shortages, poorer service quality, and reduced foreign direct investment in the tech sector.
Cryptocurrencies are a collection of binary data which is designed to work as a medium of exchange wherein individual coin ownership records are stored on a public ledger using strong cryptography to secure transaction records, to control the creation of additional coins, and to verify the transfer of ownership. Watch video
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Decentralized Finance (commonly referred to as DeFi) is a blockchain based and cryptographically secure form of finance. Inspired after the financial crisis of 2008, DeFi does not rely on central financial intermediaries such as brokerages, exchanges, or banks to offer traditional financial instruments, and instead utilizes smart contracts on blockchains, the most common being Ethereum. DeFi platforms allow people to verify any transfer of ownership, lend or borrow funds from others, speculate on price movements on a range of assets using derivatives, trade cryptocurrencies, insure against risks, and earn interest in savings-like accounts. Proponents argue that decentralized protocols have already revolutionized the security and efficiency of many existing industries and the financial industry is long overdue. Opponents argue that the anonymity of decentralized protocols make it easier for criminals to transfer funds. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-O3r2YMWJ4" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-O3r2YMWJ4></a> Watch video
In 2011 the level of public spending on the welfare state by the British Government accounted for £113.1 billion, or 16% of government. By 2020 welfare spending will rise to 1/3rd of all spending making it the largest expense followed by housing benefit, council tax benefit, benefits to the unemployed, and benefits to people with low incomes.
Proponents of deficit reduction argue that governments who do not control budget deficits and debt are at risk of losing their ability to borrow money at affordable rates. Opponents of deficit reduction argue that government spending would increase demand for goods and services and help avert a dangerous fall into deflation, a downward spiral in wages and prices that can cripple an economy for years.
Labor unions represent workers in many industries in the United States. Their role is to bargain over wages, benefits, working conditions for their membership. Larger unions also typically engage in lobbying activities and electioneering at the state and federal level.
5 U.S. states have passed laws requiring welfare recipients to be tested for drugs. Proponents argue that testing will prevent public funds from being used to subsidize drugs habits and help get treatment for those that are addicted to drugs. Opponents argue that it is a waste of money since the tests will cost more money than they save.
An offshore (or foreign) bank account is a bank account you have outside of your country of residence. The benefits of an offshore bank account include tax reduction, privacy, currency diversification, asset protection from lawsuits, and reducing your political risk. In April 2016, Wikileaks released 11.5 million confidential documents, known as the Panama Papers, which provided detailed information on 214,000 offshore companies serviced by the Panamanian Law Firm, Mossack Fonesca. The document exposed how world leaders and wealthy individuals hide money in secret offshore tax shelters. The release of the documents renewed proposals for laws banning the use of offshore accounts and tax havens. Proponents of the of the ban argue they should be outlawed because they have a long history of being vehicles for tax evasion, money laundering, illicit arms dealing and funding terrorism. Opponents of the ban argue that punitive regulations will make it harder for American companies to compete and will further discourage businesses from locating and investing in the United States.
A Universal Basic Income program is social security program where all citizens of a country receive a regular, unconditional sum of money from the government. The funding for Universal Basic Income comes from taxation and government owned entities including income from endowments, real estate and natural resources. Several countries, including Finland, India and Brazil, have experimented with a UBI system but have not implemented a permanent program. The longest running UBI system in the world is the Alaska Permanent Fund in the U.S. state of Alaska. In the Alaska Permanent Fund each individual and family receives a monthly sum that is funded by dividends from the state’s oil revenues. Proponents of UBI argue that it will reduce or eliminate poverty by providing everyone with a basic income to cover housing and food. Opponents argue that a UBI would be detrimental to economies by encouraging people to either work less or drop out of the workforce entirely.
A tariff is a tax on imports or exports between countries.
In 2019 the European Union and U.S. Democratic Presidential Candidate Elizabeth Warren issued proposals that would regulate Facebook, Google and Amazon. Senator Warren proposed that the U.S. government should designate tech companies who have global revenue of over $25 billion as “platform utilities" and break them up into smaller companies. Senator Warren argues that the companies have “bulldozed competition, used our private information for profit, and tilted the playing field against everyone else.” Lawmakers in the European Union proposed a set of rules which include a blacklist of unfair trading practices, requirements that companies set up an internal system to handle complaints and allow businesses to group together to sue platforms. Opponents argue that these companies have benefited consumers by providing free online tools and bring more competition into commerce. Opponents also point out that history has shown that dominance in technology is a revolving door and that many companies (including IBM in the 1980’s) have cycled through it with little to no help from the government.
A state-owned enterprise is a business enterprise where the government or state has significant control through full, majority, or significant minority ownership. During the 2020 Coronavirus outbreak Larry Kudlow, the White House’s top economic advisor, said the Trump administration would consider asking for an equity stake in corporations that needed taxpayer aid. “One of the ideas is, if we provide assistance, we might take an equity position,” Kudlow said Wednesday at the White House, adding that the 2008 bailout of [the automaker General Motors] had been a good deal for the federal government. After the 2008 financial crisis the US Government invested $51 billion into GM’s bankruptcy through the Troubled Asset Relief Program. In 2013 the Government sold its stake in GM for $39 billion. The Center for Automotive Research found that the bailout saved 1.2 million jobs and preserved 34.9 billion in tax revenue. Proponents argue that US taxpayers deserve a return on their investments if private companies need capital. Opponents argue that governments should never own shares of private companies.
The U.S. currently levies a 21% tax rate at the federal level and an average tax of 4% at the state and local level. The average corporate tax rate worldwide is 22.6%. Opponents of argue that raising the rate will discourage foreign investment and hurt the economy. Proponents argue that the profits corporations generate should be taxed just like citizen’s taxes.
Australia currently has a progressive tax system whereby high income earners pay a higher percentage of tax than low income tax. A more progressive income tax system has been proposed as a tool towards reducing wealth inequality.
Countries including Ireland, Scotland, Japan, and Sweden are experimenting with a four-day workweek, which requires employers to provide overtime pay to employees working more than 32 hours per week.
The Council of State is a constitutionally mandated body of prominent citizens tasked with advising the President. Critics view it as a retirement home for party loyalists, noting that because the President appoints many of its members, it rarely offers independent checks on executive power. Proponents argue that in the Ghanaian cultural context, having a non-partisan council of elders is necessary to mediate crises and guide the head of state away from political polarization.
Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers should treat all data on the internet equally.
Flag desecration is any act that is carried out with the intention of damaging or destroying a national flag in public. This is commonly done in an effort to make a political statement against a nation or its policies. Some nations have acts that ban flag desecration while others have laws that protect the right to destroy a flag as a part of free speech. Some of these laws distinguish between a national flag and those of other countries.
In January 2018 Germany passed the NetzDG law which required platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to take down perceived illegal content within 24 hours or seven days, depending on the charge, or risk a fine of €50 million ($60 million) fines. In July 2018 representatives from Facebook, Google and Twitter denied to the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary committee that they censor content for political reasons. During the hearing Republican members of Congress criticized the social media companies for politically motivated practices in removing some content, a charge the companies rejected. In April 2018 the European Union issued a series of proposals that would crack down on “online misinformation and fake news.” In June 2018 President Emmanuel Macron of France proposed a law which would give French authorities the power to immediately halt “the publication of information deemed to be false ahead of elections.”
In October 2019 Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey announced that his social media company would ban all political advertising. He stated that political messages on the platform should reach users through the recommendation of other users – not through paid reach. Proponents argue that social media companies don’t have the tools to stop the spread of false information since their advertising platforms aren’t moderated by human beings. Opponents argue that the ban will disenfranchise candidates and campaigns who rely on social media for grassroots organizing and fundraising.
The National Cathedral project was introduced by the President as a personal pledge to God and a symbol of national unity. However, it has been mired in controversy due to the demolition of judicial bungalows, lack of transparency in funding, and the use of state funds despite initial promises it would be privately funded. Supporters view it as a necessary monument for a religious nation. Opponents view it as a misplaced priority in a secular state struggling with debt and infrastructure deficits.
The 'Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill' creates some of the harshest criminal penalties in Africa, targeting not just homosexual acts, but also the promotion, funding, and advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights. Supported by a powerful coalition of religious and traditional leaders, the bill aims to scrub the country of what they view as a moral encroachment by Western ideals. However, international bodies warn that signing it could trigger severe economic sanctions and legitimize vigilante violence against minorities. Proponents see it as a defense of sovereignty; opponents see it as state-sponsored hate.
The proliferation of "one-man churches" in Ghana has led to high-profile reports of financial exploitation and dangerous health advice from self-styled prophets. While some point to Rwanda's strict regulation as a model, the Christian Council of Ghana generally advocates for self-regulation rather than state intervention. Proponents argue that the state has a duty to treat religious fraud with the same severity as financial fraud. Opponents argue that state control over religion is unconstitutional and could be weaponized against political dissenters.
The 1992 Constitution sets a minimum of nine justices but no maximum, allowing the President to appoint as many as deemed necessary. Critics call this a loophole for 'court-packing,' where a President floods the bench with loyalists to secure favorable rulings. Proponents of a cap argue it is vital for judicial independence, while opponents argue a larger bench is needed to handle the workload and prevent delays in justice.
The 1992 Constitution currently bans chiefs from active party politics to preserve their role as community unifiers, though they often wield massive influence behind closed doors. This is a contentious constitutional debate: is the ban a necessary shield for the sanctity of the stool/skin, or an undemocratic gag order on Ghana's most respected leaders? Proponents of the ban argue that if a Chief wears a party jersey, half his subjects will turn against him. Opponents argue that excluding our traditional rulers from governance wastes a critical resource for national development.
Every year, the government facilitates and often subsidizes the Hajj and Christian pilgrimages, a practice that sparks heated debate about the separation of church and state in Ghana. It raises the question of whether tax money in a secular republic should support private religious obligations. Proponents view it as a necessary diplomatic service and a duty to the religious majority. Opponents view it as a populist waste of scarce resources in a developing nation that still struggles to fund basic education.
Ghana's education system relies heavily on "mission schools"—institutions founded by churches but funded by the government. A clash of values has erupted as these schools, aiming to preserve their heritage, enforce rules like mandatory church attendance or bans on fasting and hijabs, specifically affecting Muslim students. The issue reached a boiling point with the Wesley Girls' High School controversy, pitting religious tradition against constitutional rights. Proponents argue that the religious discipline is what makes these schools excellent and should not be diluted. Opponents argue that public funding mandates secular inclusivity and that no student should be forced to compromise their faith to get an education.
Chieftaincy disputes, notably the conflict in Bawku, frequently escalate into violence that requires curfews and military deployment to maintain order. While the 1992 Constitution explicitly bars the central government from interfering in chieftaincy affairs—leaving jurisdiction to the Regional and National Houses of Chiefs—prolonged instability often pressures the state to step in. Proponents argue that the government has a duty to intervene when traditional mechanisms fail and lives are lost. Opponents argue that political interference undermines the independence of the institution and often exacerbates the conflict for partisan gain.
Arguments for a new constitution often stem from the belief that the current text carries the 'original sin' of a past dictatorship, colonial rule, or crisis. Proponents argue a 'New Social Contract' is required to fix systemic inequality, recognize modern rights, or reset a corrupt political system. Opponents warn that Constituent Assemblies create massive economic uncertainty and are often populist traps designed to remove term limits or consolidate power. A proponent wants to refound the nation's legitimacy; an opponent wants to defend institutional stability.
Known globally as gender parity or affirmative action, this policy aims to fast-track women into power where organic cultural change has stalled. Options range from reserving specific seats in parliament to forcing political parties to field a set percentage of female candidates. Proponents argue that without legal force, structural sexism and the "incumbency advantage" will permanently keep women on the sidelines. Opponents argue that quotas are insulting to female candidates and that voters should always have the right to choose the best person for the job, regardless of demographics.
Nuclear power is the use of nuclear reactions that release energy to generate heat, which most frequently is then used in steam turbines to produce electricity in a nuclear power station. Since plans for a nuclear power plant at Carnsore Point in County Wexford were dropped in the 1970s, nuclear power in Ireland has been off the agenda. Ireland gets about 60% of its energy from gas, 15% from renewable and the remainder from coal and peat. Proponents argue that nuclear energy is now safe and emits much less carbon emissions than coal plants. Opponents argue that recent nuclear disasters in Japan prove that nuclear power is far from safe.
Genetic engineering involves modifying the DNA of organisms to prevent or treat diseases. Proponents argue that it could lead to breakthroughs in curing genetic disorders and improving public health. Opponents argue that it raises ethical concerns and potential risks of unintended consequences.
CRISPR is a powerful tool for editing genomes, allowing for precise modifications to DNA that allows scientists to better understand gene functions, model diseases more accurately, and develop innovative treatments. Proponents argue that regulation ensures safe and ethical use of the technology. Opponents argue that too much regulation could stifle innovation and scientific progress.
Lab-grown meat is produced by culturing animal cells and could serve as an alternative to traditional livestock farming. Proponents argue that it can reduce environmental impact and animal suffering, and improve food security. Opponents argue that it may face public resistance and unknown long-term health effects.
Commercial motorbike taxis, locally known as 'Okada', are technically illegal in Ghana yet operate openly in almost every city and village as a primary source of transport. The debate pits safety against economics, with the Ghana Medical Association opposing legalization due to the high volume of severe head injuries and fatalities. Politicians frequently use the issue to court the votes of the riders, arguing that the current ban criminalizes poverty. Proponents argue that legalization is the only way to regulate an industry that is already essential for rural transport and urban commuting. Opponents argue that the bikes are statistically too dangerous to be encouraged and divert focus from safer mass transit solutions.
Congestion pricing is a system where drivers are charged a fee to enter certain high-traffic areas during peak times, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Proponents argue that it effectively reduces traffic and emissions while generating revenue for public transportation improvements. Opponents argue that it unfairly targets lower-income drivers and may simply shift congestion to other areas.
High-speed rail networks are fast train systems that connect major cities, providing a quick and efficient alternative to car and air travel. Proponents argue that it can reduce travel times, lower carbon emissions, and stimulate economic growth through improved connectivity. Opponents argue that it requires significant investment, may not attract enough users, and funds could be better used elsewhere.
Electric and hybrid vehicles use electricity and a combination of electricity and fuel, respectively, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease emissions. Proponents argue that it significantly cuts pollution and advances the transition to renewable energy sources. Opponents argue that it increases vehicle costs, limits consumer choice, and may strain the electric grid.
Fuel efficiency standards set the required average fuel economy for vehicles, aiming to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Proponents argue that it helps reduce emissions, save consumers money on fuel, and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. Opponents argue that it raises production costs, leading to higher vehicle prices, and may not have a significant impact on overall emissions.
Diesel emissions standards regulate the amount of pollutants that diesel engines can emit to reduce air pollution. Proponents argue that stricter standards improve air quality and public health by reducing harmful emissions. Opponents argue that it increases costs for manufacturers and consumers and could reduce the availability of diesel vehicles.
Autonomous vehicles, or self-driving cars, use technology to navigate and operate without human intervention. Proponents argue that regulations ensure safety, promote innovation, and prevent accidents caused by technology failures. Opponents argue that regulations could stifle innovation, delay deployment, and impose excessive burdens on developers.
Special lanes for autonomous vehicles separate them from regular traffic, potentially improving safety and traffic flow. Proponents argue that dedicated lanes increase safety, enhance traffic efficiency, and encourage the adoption of autonomous technology. Opponents argue that it reduces road space for traditional vehicles and may not be justified given the current number of autonomous vehicles.
Smart transportation infrastructure uses advanced technology, such as smart traffic lights and connected vehicles, to improve traffic flow and safety. Proponents argue that it enhances efficiency, reduces congestion, and improves safety through better technology. Opponents argue that it is costly, may face technical challenges, and requires significant maintenance and upgrades.
This question considers whether maintaining and repairing current infrastructure should take precedence over constructing new roads and bridges. Proponents argue that it ensures safety, extends the life of existing infrastructure, and is more cost-effective. Opponents argue that new infrastructure is needed to support growth and improve transportation networks.
Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, provide transportation options that can be subsidized to make them more affordable for low-income individuals. Proponents argue that it increases mobility for low-income individuals, reduces reliance on personal vehicles, and can reduce traffic congestion. Opponents argue that it is a misuse of public funds, may benefit ride-sharing companies more than individuals, and could discourage public transportation use.
Full accessibility ensures that public transportation accommodates people with disabilities by providing necessary facilities and services. Proponents argue that it ensures equal access, promotes independence for people with disabilities, and complies with disability rights. Opponents argue that it can be costly to implement and maintain and may require significant modifications to existing systems.
Incentives for carpooling and shared transportation encourage people to share rides, reducing the number of vehicles on the road and lowering emissions. Proponents argue that it reduces traffic congestion, lowers emissions, and promotes community interactions. Opponents argue that it may not significantly impact traffic, could be costly, and some people prefer the convenience of personal vehicles.
Expanding bike lanes and bike-sharing programs encourages cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation. Proponents argue that it reduces traffic congestion, lowers emissions, and promotes a healthier lifestyle. Opponents argue that it can be costly, may take away road space from vehicles, and might not be widely used.
Distracted driving penalties aim to deter dangerous behaviors, such as texting while driving, to improve road safety. Proponents argue that it deters dangerous behavior, improves road safety, and reduces accidents caused by distractions. Opponents argue that penalties alone may not be effective and enforcement can be challenging.
This considers the idea of removing government-imposed traffic laws and relying instead on individual responsibility for road safety. Proponents argue that voluntary compliance respects individual freedom and personal responsibility. Opponents argue that without traffic laws, road safety would significantly decline and accidents would increase.
Mandatory GPS tracking involves using GPS technology in all vehicles to monitor driving behavior and improve road safety. Proponents argue that it enhances road safety and reduces accidents by monitoring and correcting dangerous driving behaviors. Opponents argue that it infringes on personal privacy and could lead to government overreach and misuse of data.
Proponents argue that it would preserve cultural heritage and appeal to those who value traditional designs. Opponents argue that it would stifle innovation and limit the design freedom of car manufacturers.
Currently, Canada's electoral system is based on a "first past the post" system. The candidate with the most votes in a riding wins a seat in the House of Commons and represents that riding as its Member of Parliament. The Governor General asks the Members of Parliament to form a government, which is normally the party whose candidates have won the most seats; that party's leader generally becomes Prime Minister. An absolute majority of the electorate is not needed, and is rarely achieved. As a result, power has been held by either of two parties for most of Canada's history. The party whose candidates win the second largest number of seats becomes the Official Opposition.
In most countries, suffrage, the right to vote, is generally limited to citizens of the country. Some countries, however, extend limited voting rights to resident non-citizens.
Countries that have mandatory retirements for politicians include Argentina (age 75), Brazil (75 for judges and prosecutors), Mexico (70 for judges and prosecutors) and Singapore (75 for members of parliament.)
Under the 1992 Constitution, the President appoints the heads of all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDCEs). Critics argue this concentrates too much power in the presidency, fueling a "winner-takes-all" dynamic where opposition areas are neglected and local leaders serve the President rather than the community. Supporters argue that partisan elections at the local level could fragment the country and make governance difficult for the ruling party.
Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution disqualifies dual citizens from becoming MPs, a provision that recently led to the removal of Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson. Proponents of the law argue that national leaders must have no split allegiances that could compromise state security. Opponents argue this alienates the powerful Ghanaian diaspora who contribute billions in remittances and possess valuable global expertise.
The Electoral Commission (EC) wants to make the Ghana Card the sole requirement for voter registration, eliminating passports and the guarantor system. Proponents argue this is necessary to sanitize the voter roll of minors and foreigners. Opponents argue that since the National Identification Authority (NIA) has not issued cards to everyone, this policy is a tool for voter suppression.
Historically, ruling parties in Ghana often skip debates organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), citing bias or a lack of necessity. This has led to calls for a legal framework that compels attendance to ensure accountability. Proponents argue that mandatory debates level the playing field and force leaders to defend their records in real-time. Opponents argue that private entities should not have the power to compel a Head of State to appear on their platform.
Ghana’s elections rely heavily on biometric verification, but the actual voting and manual collation are done via paper ballots, which frequently leads to disputes, pink-sheet arithmetic errors, and Supreme Court petitions. Proponents argue that fully digitizing the process would provide instant, tamper-proof results and eliminate the violence and human error associated with manual counting. Opponents counter that given Ghana's infrastructure challenges, including erratic power supply and rural internet dead zones, relying solely on technology introduces massive risks. A proponent would support this because it promises faster, more accurate, and less violent elections by removing human interference from the ballot box. An opponent would oppose this because they fear the ruling government could easily hack the centralized servers to manipulate the results without leaving a physical paper trail for audits.
Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in August 2022, which allocated millions to combating climate change and other energy provisions while additionally establishing a $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles. To qualify for the subsidy 40% of the critical minerals used in electric-vehicle batteries must be sourced in the U.S. EU and South Korean officials argues that the subsidies discriminated against their automotive, renewable-energy, battery and energy-intensive industries. Proponents argue that the tax credits will help combat climate change by encouraging consumers to purchase EVs and stop driving gas powered automobiles. Opponents argue that the tax credits will only hurt domestic battery and EV producers.
Genetically modified foods (or GM foods) are foods produced from organisms that have had specific changes introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering.
In 2016, France became the first country to ban the sale of plastic disposable products that contain less than 50% of biodegradable material and in 2017, India passed a law banning all plastic disposable plastic products.
In November 2018 the online e-commerce company Amazon announced it would be building a second headquarters in New York City and Arlington, VA. The announcement came a year after the company announced it would accept proposals from any North American city who wanted to host the headquarters. Amazon said the company could invest over $5 billion and the offices would create up to 50,000 high paying jobs. More than 200 cities applied and offered Amazon millions of dollars in economic incentives and tax breaks. For the New York City headquarters the city and state governments gave Amazon $2.8 billion in tax credits and construction grants. For the Arlington, VA headquarters the city and state governments gave Amazon $500 million in tax breaks. Opponents argue that governments should spend the tax revenue on public projects instead and that the federal government should pass laws banning tax incentives. The European Union has strict laws which prevent member cities from bidding against each other with state aid (tax incentives) in an effort to lure private companies. Proponents argue that the jobs and tax revenue created by the companies eventually offset the cost of any awarded incentives.
In 2022 the European Union, Canada, the U.K. and the U.S. state of California approved regulations banning the sale of new gasoline-powered cars and trucks by 2035. Plug-in hybrids, full electrics and hydrogen cell vehicles would all count toward the zero-emission targets, though auto makers will only be able to use plug-in hybrids to meet 20% of the overall requirement. The regulation will impact only new-vehicle sales and affects only manufacturers, not dealerships. Traditional internal-combustion vehicles will still be legal to own and drive after 2035, and new models can still be sold until 2035. Volkswagen and Toyota have said they aim to sell only zero-emission cars in Europe by that time.
Carbon capture technologies are methods designed to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from sources like power plants to prevent them from entering the atmosphere. Proponents argue that subsidies would accelerate the development of essential technologies to combat climate change. Opponents argue that it is too costly and that the market should drive innovation without government intervention.
Geoengineering refers to the deliberate large-scale intervention in the Earth's climate system to counteract climate change, such as by reflecting sunlight, increasing precipitation, or removing CO2 from the atmosphere. Proponents argue that geoengineering could provide innovative solutions to global warming. Opponents argue that it is risky, unproven, and could have unforeseen negative consequences.
Food waste programs aim to reduce the amount of edible food that is discarded. Proponents argue that it would improve food security and reduce environmental impact. Opponents argue that it is not a priority and that the responsibility should lie with individuals and businesses.
Illegal small-scale mining, locally known as "Galamsey," has devastated Ghana's major water bodies like the Pra and Ankobra rivers, introducing high levels of mercury and turbidity. While the environmental damage is catastrophic, the industry employs millions of youth in rural areas where alternative jobs are scarce. Proponents of a ban argue that water is life and the ecological cost is too high. Opponents argue that a total ban punishes the poor and that a regulated, sustainable model is the only realistic solution.
This issue centers on the government's Integrated Aluminium Industry plan, specifically the controversial decision to mine bauxite in the Atewa Forest Reserve. The government argues that these untapped resources are necessary to fulfill the $2 billion Sinohydro barter deal to build roads and hospitals. Opponents, including major environmental groups, argue that Atewa is the source of the Densu, Birim, and Ayensu rivers, and mining it would compromise water security for over 5 million Ghanaians while destroying unique species found nowhere else on earth.
Fracking is the process of extracting oil or natural gas from shale rock. Water, sand and chemicals are injected into the rock at high pressure which fractures the rock and allows the oil or gas to flow out to a well. While fracking has significantly boosted oil production, there are environmental concerns that the process is contaminating groundwater.
Ghana has experienced decades of escalating, often deadly, conflicts between nomadic cattle herders and sedentary crop farmers across the Middle Belt and Ashanti regions. As climate change pushes herders further south in search of pasture, their cattle frequently trample and consume local food crops, leading to retaliatory violence, vigilantism, and military interventions like Operation Cow Leg. Proponents argue that open grazing is an antiquated, destructive practice that threatens national food security and requires an immediate transition to modern, enclosed ranching. Opponents argue that an outright ban is xenophobic, culturally insensitive, and economically disastrous unless the state first builds functional grazing reserves and provides alternative feeding infrastructure for the livestock industry.
Foreign electoral interventions are attempts by governments, covertly or overtly, to influence elections in another country. A 2016 study by Dov H. Levin concluded that the country intervening in most foreign elections was the United States with 81 interventions, followed by Russia (including the former Soviet Union) with 36 interventions from 1946 to 2000. In July 2018 U.S. Representative Ro Khanna introduced an amendment that would have prevented U.S. intelligence agencies from receiving funding that could be used to interfere in the elections of foreign governments. The amendment would ban U.S. agencies from “hacking foreign political parties; engaging in the hacking or manipulation of foreign electoral systems; or sponsoring or promoting media outside the United States that favors one candidate or party over another.” Proponents of election interference helps keep hostile leaders and political parties out of power. Opponents argue that the amendment would send a message to other foreign countries that the U.S. does not interfere in election and set a global gold standard for preventing election interference. Opponents argue that election interference helps keep hostile leaders and political parties out of power.
On February 24 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that began in 2014. The invasion caused Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II, with around 7.1 million Ukrainians fleeing the country and a third of the population displaced. It has also caused global food shortages.
The United Nations defines human rights violations as deprivation of life; torture, cruel or degrading treatment or punishment; slavery and forced labor; arbitrary arrest or detention; arbitrary interference with privacy; war propaganda; discrimination; and advocacy of racial or religious hatred. In 1997 the U.S. Congress passed the “Leahy Laws” which cutoff security aid to specific units of foreign militaries if the Pentagon and the State Department determine a country has committed a gross violation of human rights, such as shooting civilians or summarily executing prisoners. Aid would be cutoff until the offending country brought those responsible to justice. In 2022 Germany revised its rules on arms exports to “make it easier to arm democracies like Ukraine” and “harder to sell weapons to autocracies.” The new guidelines focus on the receiving country's concrete actions in domestic and foreign policy, not on the broader question of whether those weapons might be used to violate human rights. Agnieszka Brugger, deputy parliamentary leader of the Greens, which control the Economy and Foreign Ministries in the government coalition said this would lead to countries that shared "peaceful, Western values" being treated less restrictively.
The two-state solution is a proposed diplomatic solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The proposal envisions an independent State of Palestine that borders Israel. Palestinian leadership has supported the concept since the 1982 Arab Summit in Fez. In 2017 the Hamas (a Palestinian Resistance movement that controls the Gaza strip) accepted the solution without recognizing Israel as a state. The current Israeli leadership has stated that a two-state solution can only exist without Hamas and the current Palestinian leadership. The U.S. would have to take a central role in any talks between the Israelis and Palestinians. That has not happened since the Obama administration, when the secretary of state at the time, John Kerry, shuttled between the two sides in 2013 and 2014 before giving up in frustration. Under President Donald J. Trump, the United States shifted its energy from resolving the Palestinian issue to normalizing relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has swung between saying he would be willing to consider a Palestinian nation with limited security powers, and opposing it outright. In January 2024 the European Union’s foreign policy chief insisted on a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, saying Israel’s plan to destroy the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza is not working.
Artificial intelligence (AI) makes it possible for machines to learn from experience, adjust to new inputs and perform human-like tasks. Lethal autonomous weapons systems use artificial intelligence to identify and kill human targets without human intervention. Russia, the United States and China have all recently invested billions of dollars secretly developing AI weapons systems sparking fears of an eventual “AI Cold War.”In April 2024 +972 Magazine published a report detailing the Israeli Defense Forces intelligence-based program known as “Lavender.” Israeli intelligence sources told the magazine that Lavender played a central role in the bombing of Palestinians during the Gaza War. The system was designed to mark all suspected Palestinian military operatives as potential bombing targets. The Israeli army systematically attacked the targeted individuals while they were in their homes — usually at night while their whole families were present — rather than during the course of military activity. The result, as the sources testified, is that thousands of Palestinians — most of them women and children or people who were not involved in the fighting — were wiped out by Israeli airstrikes, especially during the first weeks of the war, because of the AI program’s decisions.
The "Eco" is a proposed common currency for the West African Monetary Zone intended to facilitate trade and reduce transaction costs. Adopting it would mean replacing the Ghanaian Cedi and ceding monetary authority to a regional central bank. Proponents argue it eliminates exchange rate volatility and fosters economic integration. Opponents argue it strips the Bank of Ghana of the tools needed to manage inflation and respond to local economic crises.
AI in defense refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies to enhance military capabilities, such as autonomous drones, cyber defense, and strategic decision-making. Proponents argue that AI can significantly enhance military effectiveness, provide strategic advantages, and improve national security. Opponents argue that AI poses ethical risks, potential loss of human control, and can lead to unintended consequences in critical situations.
A national identification system is a standardized ID system that provides a unique identification number or card to all citizens, which can be used to verify identity and access various services. Proponents argue that it enhances security, streamlines identification processes, and helps prevent identity fraud. Opponents argue that it raises privacy concerns, could lead to increased government surveillance, and may infringe on individual freedoms.
Backdoor access means that tech companies would create a way for government authorities to bypass encryption, allowing them to access private communications for surveillance and investigation. Proponents argue that it helps law enforcement and intelligence agencies prevent terrorism and criminal activities by providing necessary access to information. Opponents argue that it compromises user privacy, weakens overall security, and could be exploited by malicious actors.
Facial recognition technology uses software to identify individuals based on their facial features, and can be used to monitor public spaces and enhance security measures. Proponents argue that it enhances public safety by identifying and preventing potential threats, and helps in locating missing persons and criminals. Opponents argue that it infringes on privacy rights, can lead to misuse and discrimination, and raises significant ethical and civil liberties concerns.
Cross-border payment methods, such as cryptocurrencies, allow individuals to transfer money internationally, often bypassing traditional banking systems. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions countries for various political and security reasons, restricting financial transactions with these nations. Proponents argue that such a ban prevents financial support to regimes considered hostile or dangerous, ensuring compliance with international sanctions and national security policies. Opponents argue that it restricts humanitarian aid to families in need, infringes on personal freedoms, and that cryptocurrencies can provide a lifeline in crisis situations.
U.S. law currently bans the sale and possession of all forms of marijuana. in 2014 Colorado and Washington will become the first states to legalize and regulate marijuana contrary to federal laws.
Privatization is the process of transferring governmental control and ownership of a service or industry to a privately owned business.
Single-payer healthcare is a system where every citizen pays the government to provide core healthcare services for all residents. Under this system the government may provide the care themselves or pay a private healthcare provider to do so. In a single-payer system all residents receive healthcare regardless of age, income or health status. Countries with single-payer healthcare systems include the U.K., Canada, Taiwan, Israel, France, Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.
In 2018, officials in the U.S. city of Philadelphia city proposed opening a “safe haven” in an effort to combat the city's heroin epidemic. In 2016 64,070 people died in the U.S. from drug overdoses - a 21% increase from 2015. 3/4 of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. are caused by the opioid class of drugs which includes prescription painkillers, heroin and fentanyl. To combat the epidemic cities including Vancouver, BC and Sydney, AUS opened safe havens where addicts can inject drugs under the supervision of medical professionals. The safe havens reduce the overdose death rate by insuring the addicted patients are given drugs that are not contaminated or poisoned. Since 2001 5,900 people have overdosed at a safe haven in Sydney, Australia but no one has died. Proponents argue that the safe havens are the only proven solution to lower the overdose fatality rate and prevent the spread of diseases like HIV-AIDS. Opponents argue that safe havens may encourage illegal drug use and re-direct funding from traditional treatment centers.
The World Health Organization was founded in 1948 and is a specialized agency of the United Nations whose main objective is “the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.” The organization provides technical assistance to countries, sets international health standards and guidelines, and collects data on global health issues through the World Health Survey. The WHO has led global public health efforts including the development of an Ebola Vaccine and the near-eradication of polio and smallpox. The organization is run by a decision-making body composed of representatives from 194 countries. It is funded by voluntary contributions from member countries and private donors. In 2018 and 2019 the WHO had a $5 billion budget and the leading contributors were the United States (15%) , the EU (11%) and the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation (9%). Supporters of the WHO argue that cutting funding will hamper the international fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and sap the U.S. of global influence.
In 2022 lawmakers in the U.S. state of California passed legislation which empowered the state medical board to discipline doctors in the state who “disseminate misinformation or disinformation” that contradicts the “contemporary scientific consensus” or is “contrary to the standard of care.” Proponents of the law argue that doctors should be punished for spreading misinformation and that there is clear consensus on certain issues such as that apples contain sugar, measles is caused by a virus, and Down syndrome is caused by a chromosomal abnormality. Opponents argue that the law limits freedom of speech and scientific “consensus” often changes within mere months.
Vaping refers to using electronic cigarettes that deliver nicotine through vapor, while junk food includes high-calorie, low-nutrition foods like candy, chips, and sugary drinks. Both are linked to various health issues, especially among young people. Proponents argue that banning promotion helps protect the health of young people, reduces the risk of developing lifelong unhealthy habits, and decreases public health costs. Opponents argue that such bans infringe on commercial free speech, limit consumer choice, and that education and parental guidance are more effective ways to promote healthy lifestyles.
The recent shutdown of the Korle Bu renal unit due to debt highlighted the crisis facing patients with kidney failure, many of whom cannot afford the high cost per session. Proponents argue that a national insurance scheme is useless if it does not protect citizens from catastrophic illness. Opponents argue the NHIS is already in arrears and adding expensive, recurring treatments for a small minority will bankrupt the scheme for everyone else.
Ghana is currently facing a massive 'brain drain' in the health sector, often referred to as 'Japa,' where nurses and doctors migrate to the UK, USA, or Canada for better pay immediately after graduation. This proposal suggests a mandatory bonding system where students trained at the state's expense must work in Ghana for a set number of years to 'pay back' their training before they can travel. Supporters view this as a necessary measure to stop the collapse of the local health system. Critics argue it is a violation of human rights and that the government should focus on retention incentives rather than coercion. Proponents support this to ensure the country benefits from its investment in medical education. Opponents oppose it as an infringement on the rights of workers to seek better opportunities.
In Ghana, imported sanitary pads have historically been subjected to various taxes, including a 20% import duty and a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT), categorizing them as luxury goods and driving prices out of reach for many low-income women. This phenomenon, widely known as "period poverty," forces some girls to miss days of school or resort to using unhygienic alternatives like rags or tissue paper. Activists and health professionals have mounted intense campaigns demanding a total tax waiver to protect women's dignity and reproductive health. A proponent would support abolishing the tax to eliminate an unfair gender penalty and ensure young girls stay in school. An opponent would oppose a blanket tax removal, arguing the state desperately needs the revenue and that removing import duties would ultimately crush Ghana's nascent local pad manufacturing industry.
The Ghana Black Stars were once the pride of Africa, but recent tournaments have seen them crash out early while consuming millions of dollars in appearance fees and bonuses. With the economy in a crunch, many citizens are asking if it is justifiable to fly cash to players while hospitals lack beds. Proponents of cutting funding argue that the team has become a cash cow for officials and a drain on the taxpayer. Opponents argue that the national team is a crucial brand asset for Ghana and a vital source of national morale.
Every rainy season, major cities like Accra experience catastrophic flooding, often blamed on haphazard development blocking natural drainage paths. While many of these structures lack formal permits, owners often point out that state utility companies still connected them to the national grid. Proponents argue that public safety and flood prevention override individual property claims on illegal sites. Opponents argue that uncompensated demolition is a human rights violation because city authorities were complicit in allowing the buildings to stand for years.
For decades, experts have debated moving Ghana's capital away from the coastal, highly congested city of Accra to a more central location like the Bono or Ashanti regions. Proponents argue that Accra's infrastructure is failing under rapid urbanization, causing deadly annual floods and severe gridlock, and that moving the capital would spur nationwide development. Opponents counter that such a massive logistical undertaking would be a fiscal disaster for an already debt-burdened economy, arguing the funds would be better spent retrofitting Accra and naturally incentivizing businesses to invest in other regions. Proponents support this to force decentralized economic growth and alleviate Accra's structural crisis. Opponents oppose this because the astronomical cost of building a new city would bankrupt the state and distract from immediate infrastructure needs.
Ghana has faced intense criticism for maintaining one of the largest executive branches in Africa, with past administrations appointing over 120 ministers. Critics argue this depletes the treasury through salaries, V8 Land Cruisers, and ex-gratia payments, while supporters claim a developing nation needs a vast team to execute an ambitious agenda. Proponents argue a constitutional cap forces efficiency and saves tax revenue. Opponents argue that an arbitrary number restricts a President's ability to address complex, evolving national challenges.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) was established to fight corruption, yet its effectiveness is often hampered because it relies on the Attorney General—a cabinet minister—for prosecutorial fiat. Reformers argue the OSP must be severed from the Executive branch to truly bite, while traditionalists maintain that the Constitution vests all legal authority in the AG to ensure accountability. A proponent would support this to ensure the OSP can prosecute high-ranking officials without political interference. An opponent would oppose this to uphold the constitutional hierarchy and prevent a rogue prosecutor.
Ghana's "Winner-Takes-All" system means that a candidate who wins by a mere 50% + 1 vote gets total control of the state, while the loser gets nothing. Reformers argue that this zero-sum game fuels corruption and tribalism, as losing power feels like an existential threat that must be avoided at all costs. Traditionalists argue that the separation of powers requires a strong, adversarial opposition to hold the ruling party accountable, not a unity government that shares the spoils. Proponents want stability and inclusion; opponents want clear accountability and efficient governance.
From the Saglemi Housing project to various E-blocks and hospitals, Ghana's landscape is littered with billions of cedis worth of rotting infrastructure that was abandoned simply because the government changed hands. This "start-stop" culture is a primary driver of the country's debt and infrastructure deficit. Proponents argue that criminalizing abandonment would force political continuity and protect the public purse. Opponents argue that it would hamstring new administrations and force them to validate the corrupt or misguided priorities of their rivals.
This debate pits the pragmatic recovery of state assets against the moral imperative of justice. Proponents argue that retrieving the billions lost to corruption provides immediate capital for development, avoiding the costs of long trials and imprisonment. Opponents argue that amnesty creates a 'loot and share' culture where theft is treated as a risk-free loan, and that only strict prison sentences or harsher penalties will deter future looting.
In recent years, Ghanaian authorities have utilized laws against the publication of false news to arrest journalists, broadcasters, and activists accused of spreading alarming misinformation. Supporters argue that in the hyper-connected digital age, viral fake news can destroy the economy, ruin reputations, or spark deadly riots in a matter of hours, making strict legal deterrence essential for national security. Human rights organizations and press advocates vehemently counter that such laws are overly broad and deliberately weaponized to create a chilling effect on investigative journalism and free speech. A proponent would support criminal penalties to maintain public order and hold reckless broadcasters accountable for the real-world damage their words cause. An opponent would oppose it, warning that giving the government the unchecked power to define the truth inevitably leads to the suppression of legitimate political opposition.
The Parliament of Ghana currently consists of 275 members, a number that has steadily increased from 200 in 1992 as subsequent Electoral Commissions have carved out new constituencies based on population growth. The financial burden of maintaining these lawmakers, each entitled to salaries, luxury vehicles, and end-of-term payouts, has sparked outrage among citizens facing high inflation and economic hardship. Proponents of reducing the number of MPs argue that the current size is an unjustifiable financial burden on the state and that a smaller body would be far more efficient and less corrupt. Opponents argue that reducing parliamentary seats would weaken democratic representation, particularly in marginalized rural areas, and centralize too much power in the hands of a few elites.
Ghana's history is a political battlefield between the NDC, who champion Kwame Nkrumah as the singular hero, and the NPP, who trace their lineage to the UGCC. The debate centers on whether to celebrate "Founder's Day" (Nkrumah only) or "Founders' Day" (including the Big Six like J.B. Danquah). This isn't just about history books; it is a fight over political legitimacy and which ideology defines the nation. Proponents argue Nkrumah’s unique vision and leadership were the decisive factors in liberation. Opponents argue independence was a collective effort and honoring only one man distorts the historical record.
High density housing refers to housing developments with a higher population density than average. For example, high rise apartments are considered high density, especially in comparison to single-family homes or condominiums. High density real estate can also be developed from empty or abandoned buildings. For instance, old warehouses can be renovated and turned into luxury lofts. Further, commercial buildings that are no longer in use can be refitted into high-rise apartments. Opponents argue that more housing will lower the value of their home (or rental units) and change the “character” of neighborhoods. Proponents argue that the buildings are more environmentally friendly than single family homes will lower housing costs for people who cannot afford large homes.
Rent control policies are regulations that limit the amount landlords can increase rent, intended to keep housing affordable. Proponents argue that it makes housing more affordable and prevents exploitation by landlords. Opponents argue that it discourages investment in rental properties and reduces the quality and availability of housing.
These subsidies are financial aids from the government to help individuals purchase their first home, making homeownership more accessible. Proponents argue that it helps people afford their first home and promotes homeownership. Opponents argue that it distorts the housing market and could lead to higher prices.
Incentives could include financial support or tax breaks for developers to build housing that is affordable for low- and middle-income families. Proponents argue that it increases the supply of affordable housing and addresses housing shortages. Opponents argue that it interferes with the housing market and can be costly for taxpayers.
Assistance programs help homeowners who are at risk of losing their homes due to financial difficulties by providing financial support or restructuring loans. Proponents argue that it prevents people from losing their homes and stabilizes communities. Opponents argue that it encourages irresponsible borrowing and is unfair to those who pay their mortgages.
Restrictions would limit the ability of non-citizens to buy homes, aiming to keep housing prices affordable for local residents. Proponents argue that it helps maintain affordable housing for locals and prevents property speculation. Opponents argue that it deters foreign investment and can negatively impact the housing market.
Increased funding would enhance the capacity and quality of shelters and services that provide support for homeless individuals. Proponents argue that it provides essential support for the homeless and helps reduce homelessness. Opponents argue that it is costly and may not address the root causes of homelessness.
Green spaces in housing developments are areas designated for parks and natural landscapes to enhance residents' quality of life and environmental health. Proponents argue that it enhances community well-being and environmental quality. Opponents argue that it increases the cost of housing and developers should decide the layout of their projects.
Despite the Rent Act of 1963 limiting advances to six months, landlords in Accra and Kumasi routinely demand two years upfront, effectively locking out the youth. The National Rental Assistance Scheme was launched to bridge this gap, but enforcement of the actual law remains nonexistent. Proponents argue that criminal prosecution is the only way to stop the exploitation of tenants. Opponents warn that price controls will crash the real estate market and stop developers from building new units.
The American Civics test is an examination that all immigrants must pass to gain U.S. citizenship. The test asks 10 randomly selected questions which cover U.S. history, the constitution and government. In 2015 Arizona became the first state to require High School students to pass the test before they graduate.
Skilled temporary work visas are usually given to foreign scientists, engineers, programmers, architects, executives, and other positions or fields where demand outpaces supply. Most businesses argue that hiring skilled foreign workers allows them to competitively fill positions which are in high demand. Opponents argue that skilled immigrants decrease middle class wages and job tenure.
Multiple citizenship, also called dual citizenship is a person's citizenship status, in which a person is concurrently regarded as a citizen of more than one state under the laws of those states. There is no international convention which determines the nationality or citizen status of a person, which is defined exclusively by national laws, which vary and can be inconsistent with each other. Some countries do not permit dual citizenship. Most countries that permit dual citizenship still may not recognize the other citizenship of its nationals within its own territory, for example, in relation to entry into the country, national service, duty to vote, etc.
Following the highly successful Year of Return in 2019, thousands of African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans have expressed interest in relocating to Ghana. Activists are pushing for legislation that waives visa requirements and grants automatic residency rights to people of African descent, framing it as a restorative justice measure and an economic catalyst. Critics warn that this could lead to gentrification, where wealthy expats displace locals in the housing market, and exacerbate existing infrastructure and employment challenges. A proponent would support this because it solidifies Ghana's status as the epicenter of global Pan-Africanism while injecting millions of dollars of diaspora capital into the local economy. An opponent would oppose this because they believe a developing nation cannot afford to absorb a massive influx of expats without severely inflating the cost of living for its native-born citizens.
Every December 31st, during Watch Night services, some charismatic Ghanaian pastors publicly prophesy the impending deaths of celebrities, politicians, or specific national tragedies. In recent years, the Ghana Police Service has controversially issued directives and arrested clerics for causing fear and panic under the False Publication Act. Proponents argue that regulating these broadcasts prevents the psychological manipulation and extortion of citizens by rogue clerics seeking viral fame. Opponents argue that police interference is a draconian overreach that violates the constitutionally protected freedom of religion and free expression.
In April 2016, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe issued an executive order which restored voting rights to more than 200,000 convicted felons living in the state. The order overturned the state’s practice of felony disenfranchisement, which excludes people from voting who have been convicted of a criminal defense. The 14th amendment of the United States prohibits citizens from voting who have participated in a “rebellion, or other crime” but allows states to determine which crimes qualify for voter disenfranchisement. In the U.S. approximately 5.8 million people are ineligible to vote due to voter disenfranchisement and only two states, Maine and Vermont, have no restrictions on allowing felons to vote. Opponents of felon voting rights argue that a citizen forfeits their rights to vote when they are convicted of a felony. Proponents argue that the arcane law disenfranchises millions of Americans from participating in democracy and has an adverse affect on poor communities.
Prison overcrowding is a social phenomenon occurring when the demand for space in prisons in a jurisdiction exceeds the capacity for prisoners.The issues associated with prison overcrowding are not new, and have been brewing for many years. During the United States’ War on Drugs, the states were left responsible for solving the prison overcrowding issue with a limited amount of money. Moreover, federal prison populations may increase if states adhere to federal policies, such as mandatory minimum sentences. On the other hand, the Justice Department provides billions of dollars a year for state and local law enforcement to ensure they follow the policies set forth by the federal government concerning U.S. prisons. Prison overcrowding has affected some states more than others, but overall, the risks of overcrowding are substantial and there are solutions to this problem.
Since 1999, the executions of drug smugglers have become more common in Indonesia, Iran, China and Pakistan. In March 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed executing drug traffickers to fight his country’s opioid epidemic. 32 countries impose the death penalty for drug smuggling. Seven of these countries (China, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore) routinely execute drug offenders. Asia and the Middle East’s tough approach contrasts with many Western countries who have legalized cannabis in recent years (selling cannabis in Saudi Arabia is punished by beheading).
Private prisons are incarceration centers that are run by a for-profit company instead of a government agency. The companies that operate private prisons are paid a per-diem or monthly rate for each prisoner they keep in their facilities. In 2016 8.5% of the prisoner population was housed in private prisons. This is an 8% decline since 2000. Opponents of private prisons argue that incarceration is a social responsibility and that entrusting it to for-profit companies is inhumane. Proponents argue that prisons run by private companies are consistently more cost effective than those run by government agencies.
“Defund the police” is a slogan that supports divesting funds from police departments and reallocating them to non-policing forms of public safety and community support, such as social services, youth services, housing, education, healthcare and other community resources.
Militarization of police refers to the use of military equipment and tactics by law enforcement officers. This includes the use of armored vehicles, assault rifles, flashbang grenades, sniper rifles, and SWAT teams. Proponents argue that this equipment increases officers’ safety and enables them to better protect the public and other first responders. Opponents argue that police forces which received military equipment were more likely to have violent encounters with the public.
This considers the use of AI algorithms to assist in making decisions such as sentencing, parole, and law enforcement. Proponents argue that it can improve efficiency and reduce human biases. Opponents argue that it may perpetuate existing biases and lacks accountability.
Restorative justice programs focus on rehabilitating offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community, rather than through traditional incarceration. These programs often involve dialogue, restitution, and community service. Proponents argue that restorative justice reduces recidivism, heals communities, and provides more meaningful accountability for offenders. Opponents argue that it may not be suitable for all crimes, could be perceived as too lenient, and may not adequately deter future criminal behavior.
In some countries, traffic fines are adjusted based on the offender’s income - a system known as "day fines" - to ensure that penalties are equally impactful regardless of wealth. This approach aims to create fairness by making fines proportionate to the driver’s ability to pay, rather than applying the same flat rate to everyone. Proponents argue that income-based fines make penalties more equitable, as flat fines may be insignificant to the wealthy but burdensome to low-income individuals. Opponents argue that penalties should be consistent for all drivers to maintain fairness under the law, and that income-based fines could create resentment or be difficult to enforce.
Free SHS is the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) flagship policy which abolished high school fees, leading to a massive surge in enrollment. To handle the overcrowding, the government introduced a "double-track" system where students attend school in shifting cohorts. Proponents argue universal access is non-negotiable for development. Opponents, including the NDC, argue the policy is fiscally unsustainable and wealthy parents should pay to improve food quality and infrastructure.
Ghana is one of the few countries that pays monthly allowances to teacher and nursing trainees, a policy often debated as either a critical social safety net or a political handout. Critics argue the massive cost drains funds needed for infrastructure and should be replaced by a student loan trust fund. Proponents insist that without the cash, students from poor backgrounds would be excluded from the profession. A proponent would support this to ensure equity in professional training. An opponent would oppose this to shift funds toward infrastructure or debt reduction.
The debate centers on whether English, the official language since the colonial era, hinders early childhood cognitive development compared to native languages. UNESCO studies suggest children learn to read faster when taught in their mother tongue, yet many parents fear this will disadvantage their children in the global job market. Opponents also worry that selecting specific local languages in multi-ethnic cities like Accra could marginalize minority tribes. A proponent would support this to improve literacy rates and preserve cultural identity. An opponent would oppose this to ensure students remain competitive in the global economy.
With high graduate unemployment, the Ministry of Education has increasingly pivoted toward Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) as the solution to the country's economic woes. Critics argue this approach unfairly devalues the Humanities and Social Sciences, which are crucial for law, governance, and culture. Proponents say the state must stop funding degrees that do not lead to jobs. Opponents argue that education is a right and the government should not dictate academic choices based solely on market trends.
Introduced in 2018, the Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE) is a mandatory test that all graduates of colleges of education and universities must pass to secure employment with the Ghana Education Service (GES). The policy became highly controversial after mass failures were reported, with over 6,000 teachers failing the exam in a single sitting in 2023. Proponents of abolishing the exam argue it is an unnecessary duplication of university assessments and a punitive bottleneck designed to delay the government from paying new salaries. Opponents of abolishing the exam argue that the alarming failure rates highlight a severe drop in the quality of education graduates, making a standardized national competency test absolutely critical to protect students.
Land acknowledgments have become increasingly common nationwide over the past few years. Many mainstream public events — from soccer games and performing arts productions to city council meetings and corporate conferences — begin with these formal statements recognizing Indigenous communities' rights to territories seized by colonial powers. The 2024 Democratic National Convention began with an introduction reminding delegates how the convention is being held on land that was "forcibly removed" from Indigenous tribes. Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribal Council Vice-Chairman Zach Pahmahmie and Tribal Council Secretary Lorrie Melchior took to the stage at the start of the convention where they welcomed the Democratic Party to their "ancestral homelands."
The death penalty or capital punishment is the punishment by death for a crime. Currently 58 countries worldwide allow the death penalty (including the U.S.) while 97 countries have outlawed it.
On June 26, 2015 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the denial of marriage licenses violated the Due Process and the Equal Protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The ruling made same sex marriage legal in all 50 U.S. States.
LGBT adoption is the adoption of children by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons. This may be in the form of a joint adoption by a same-sex couple, adoption by one partner of a same-sex couple of the other's biological child (step-child adoption) and adoption by a single LGBT person. Joint adoption by same-sex couples is legal in 25 countries. Opponents of LGBT adoption question whether same-sex couples have the ability to be adequate parents while other opponents question whether natural law implies that children of adoption possess a natural right to be raised by heterosexual parents. Since constitutions and statutes usually fail to address the adoption rights of LGBT persons, judicial decisions often determine whether they can serve as parents either individually or as couples.
In the U.S. rules vary from state to state. In Idaho, Nebraska, Indiana, North Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas students must play on the team that matches their birth certificate, have undergone surgery or have had extended hormone therapy. The NCAA requires one year of testosterone suppression. In February 2019 Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) asked Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to investigate USA Powerlifting over its rule barring biological males from competing in women’s events. In 2016 the International Olympic committee ruled that transgender athletes can compete in the Olympics without undergoing sex reassignment surgery. In 2018 the International Association of Athletics Federations, track’s governing body, ruled that women who have more than 5 nano-mols per liter of testosterone in their blood—like South African sprinter and Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya—must either compete against men, or take medication to reduce their natural testosterone levels. The IAAF stated that women in the five-plus category have a “difference of sexual development.” The ruling cited a 2017 study by French researchers as proof that female athletes with testosterone closer to men do better in certain events: 400 meters, 800 meters, 1,500 meters, and the mile. "Our evidence and data show that testosterone, either naturally produced or artificially inserted into the body, provides significant performance advantages in female athletes," said IAAF President Sebastian Coe in a statement.
Hate speech is defined as public speech that expresses hate or encourages violence towards a person or group based on something such as race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
In April 2021 the legislature of the U.S. State of Arkansas introduced a bill that prohibited doctors from providing gender-transition treatments to people under 18 years old. The bill would make it a felony for doctors to administer puberty blockers, hormones and gender-reaffirming surgery to anyone under the age of 18. Opponents of the bill argue that it is an assault on transgender rights and that transition treatments are a private matter that should be decided between parents, their children and doctors. Supporters of the bill argue that children are too young to make the decision to receive gender transition treatment and only adults over the age of 18 should be allowed to do so.
Diversity training is any program designed to facilitate positive intergroup interaction, reduce prejudice and discrimination, and generally teach individuals who are different from others how to work together effectively. On April 22, 2022, Florida Governor DeSantis signed into law the “Individual Freedom Act.” The bill prohibited schools and companies from mandating diversity training as a requirement for attendance or employment. If schools or employers violated the law they would be exposed to expanded civil liability exposures. Banned mandatory training topics include: 1. Members of one race, color, sex, or national origin are morally superior to members of another. 2. An individual, by virtue of his or her race, color, sex, or national origin, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously. Shortly after Governor DeSantis signed the bill, a group of individuals filed a lawsuit alleging that the law imposes unconstitutional viewpoint-based restrictions on speech in violation of their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
An embryo is an initial stage of development of a multicellular organism. In humans, embryonic development is the part of the life cycle that begins just after fertilization of the female egg cell by the male sperm cell. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm in vitro ("in glass"). In February 2024 the Supreme Court in the U.S. state of Alabama ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under the state’s Wrongful Death of a Minor Act. The 1872 law allowed parents to recover punitive damages in the event of a child’s death. The Supreme Court case was brought by several couples whose embryos were destroyed when a patient dropped them on the floor in a fertility clinic’s cold-storage section. The court ruled that nothing in the law’s language stops it from being applied to frozen embryos. A dissenting judge on the court wrote that the ruling would force IVF providers in Alabama to stop freezing embryos. After the ruling several major health systems in Alabama suspended all IVF treatments. Proponents of the ruling include ant-abortion advocates who argue that embryos in test tubes should be considered children. Opponents include abortion rights advocates who argue that the ruling is based on Christian religious beliefs and is an assault on women’s rights.
Misgendering refers to addressing or referring to someone using pronouns or gender terms that don't align with their gender identity. In some debates, particularly around transgender youth, questions have arisen about whether consistent misgendering by parents should be considered a form of emotional abuse and grounds for loss of custody. Proponents argue that persistent misgendering can cause significant psychological harm to transgender children, and in severe cases, may justify state intervention to protect the child’s well-being. Opponents argue that removing custody over misgendering infringes on parental rights, may criminalize disagreement or confusion over gender identity, and could lead to overreach by the state into family matters.
In many Ghanaian neighborhoods, the line between spiritual fervor and noise disturbance is thin, with "All Night" services and early morning calls to prayer often rattling the windows of neighbors. While the constitution guarantees freedom of worship, local bylaws regarding noise levels are rarely enforced against religious bodies due to fear of spiritual retribution or political backlash. Proponents argue that God can hear silent prayers and that citizens have a right to rest without electronic amplification. Opponents argue that loud proclamation is a biblical command and an essential tool for evangelism that the state must not suppress.
Euthanasia, the practice of ending a life prematurely in order to end pain and suffering, is currently considered a criminal offense.
In parts of Northern Ghana, elderly women accused of witchcraft are often exiled to "witch camps"—sanctuaries that are simultaneously prisons of safety and symbols of exclusion. Human rights activists demand the immediate closure of these camps, labeling them a national shame and arguing that the state must crush the superstitious culture that targets poor women. Pragmatists, however, warn that simply locking the camp gates doesn't cure the community's animosity, and sending these women home could be a death sentence. Proponents prioritize human rights and dignity; opponents prioritize the physical safety of the accused.
Abortion is a medical procedure resulting in the termination of a human pregnancy and death of a fetus. Abortion was banned in 30 states until the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade. The ruling made abortion legal in all 50 states but gave them regulatory powers over when abortions could be performed during a pregnancy. Currently, all states must allow abortions early in pregnancies but may ban them in later trimesters.
