Ghana has done it again: Democracy works in Africa

By Fidel Amakye Owusu

The 1966 coup that ousted Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, marked the beginning of a prolonged period of political instability. This era was characterized by extended military rule interspersed with unsuccessful attempts to establish civilian governments.

By the late 1980s, it became evident that Ghanaians were yearning for a democratic system that granted them the right to choose their leaders.

In 1992, Ghana adopted a new constitution through a national referendum, establishing a multi-party democracy – mirroring steps taken earlier by the Republic of Benin. Over the past 32 years, Ghana has successfully conducted nine general elections with smooth transitions of power.

However, the 2020 elections revealed troubling signs, as eight citizens were tragically killed by security forces during the collation of results.

These incidents heightened concerns about the integrity and safety of subsequent elections. In response, political parties signed a peace pact ahead of this year’s polls, reaffirming their commitment to a violence-free electoral process.

The diplomatic community also played a significant role, fostering dialogue among political leaders and building inter-party confidence. The U.S. Embassy notably warned that troublemakers would face travel bans – a strong deterrent.

The December 7 election was largely peaceful. Personally, I traveled approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Accra to my hometown to cast my vote.

The process was efficient, and I completed verification and voting within five minutes. Most notably, within 24 hours, the Vice President and leader of the ruling party conceded defeat, addressing the nation and congratulating the opposition leader.

The election’s victor, a former president from 2012 to 2017, decisively won the mandate to govern once more. This outcome highlights Ghana’s commitment to democratic principles and serves as a counter-narrative to recent critiques of democracy’s viability in Africa.

Coups in the Sahel, Guinea, and Gabon have fueled skepticism about the continent’s democratic trajectory. However, Ghana’s experience underscores that inclusive governance through democracy remains the best path forward.

In the 1980s, Ghana’s political future was uncertain, with repeated attempts to overthrow the military government. Since adopting the 1992 constitution, the country has remained steadfast in its democratic journey.

Nevertheless, challenges persist. Youth unemployment, corruption, education gaps, environmental degradation, and infrastructure deficits remain pressing concerns.

Regionally, Ghana’s role in addressing violent extremism, political instability, and transnational crimes will be critical. Despite the hurdles, Ghana’s democratic resilience offers hope and a model for others navigating similar challenges.

Fidel Amakye Owusu is an International Relations and Security Analyst. He is an Associate at the Conflict Research Consortium for Africa and has previously hosted an International Affairs program with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). He is passionate about Diplomacy and realizing Africa’s global potential and how the continent should be viewed as part of the global collective.