Politics
Ghana showcasing democracy in Africa as the era of coups comes to an end
John Dramani Mahama, 54, was born in a village in the poor, arid north and is popular among the working poor. His father was a prosperous farm owner and government official. He grew up a socialist, and though his convictions were shaken by his experiences while at college in Moscow, he retains socialist leanings. Mahama promises new colleges and better health care, and takes credit for the high growth rate.
Nana Akufo-Addo, a former foreign minister and attorney general, and championed human rights during the coup years. He grew up in England and at 68 still has a strong British accent. Akufo-Addo says he’ll make high school free and boost industry rather than keep the economy reliant on exporting raw materials.
But many accuse the ruling party of being corrupt and wonder why basic services aren’t reaching those who need them. “We are not feeling the impact in our pockets,” said Dorcas Yeboah, 21, a psychology student. “In our discovery of oil, we were expecting a lot of money would be coming into our economy.”
Geography plays a big role in the election. The north, Mahama’s home base, has seen little of the prosperity boosting Accra and the coastal south, there is ample evidence of the prosperity that has come with the rapid growth – office blocks are rising, and showrooms offer luxury cars. Thai and sushi restaurants are cropping up among rows of shops made of brightly colored shipping containers. The rhythmic pounding of “hip-life,” Ghana’s brand of hip-hop, mixes with the hum of increasing traffic.
“The reason Ghanaians are so drawn to democracy,” analyst Jonah said, “is because they have seen that democracy in Western countries has brought a very high level of development.” He said that if the rulers can deliver the services the people need, “Then people will say, ‘OK, democracy isn’t just every four years selecting people. Democracy also brings development.”’
