As Ghana marks its 69th Independence anniversary, the celebrations will likely follow the familiar pattern of ceremonies, speeches and national self-congratulation.
Ghanaians will compare themselves with neighbours such as Burkina Faso—now a supplier of tomatoes to Ghana—or Rwanda, known for its clean streets.
There will again be debates about whether Ghana had a single founder or multiple founders, and loud claims that the nation only needs more time to achieve transformation.
Yet this argument is difficult to sustain when Deng Xiaoping laid the foundation for China’s transformation in just 15 years, while many of Ghana’s “independence classmates” have advanced far ahead in development.
Democracy
The deeper problem is that Ghana’s democracy is failing. Evidence from the 2024 Afrobarometer survey shows that 52 per cent of Ghanaians feel no affinity for either of the two major political parties, a rise of 15 percentage points from the previous survey.
Even more concerning, only one in four Ghanaians believes the country is a full democracy.
The same survey also found that a majority believe the Presidency, tax officials and Members of Parliament are corrupt. Public sentiment was also reflected during the 2025 inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama, where the loudest cheers reportedly went to Burkina Faso’s “Sojaman” Traoré.
Democratic hopes
Although Ghana began the Fourth Republic in 1992 with strong democratic hopes, the system is increasingly resembling a kleptocratic plutocracy—a government dominated by wealthy elites, many of whom critics bluntly describe as tafraky3 (thieves).
In 1992, many believed democracy would deliver development.
Former President Rawlings once emphasised that democracy must guarantee not only freedom of expression and voting rights but also food, shelter and clothing. Meanwhile, the NPP promised a “property-owning democracy.”
Instead, critics argue that the two dominant parties have created a property-looting system in which they alternate in power while extracting wealth from the public sphere into private hands.
The consequences are visible: Ghana struggles with waste management; the health system is drifting back toward “cash-and-carry” and the persistent “no-bed” syndrome that endangers patients; the diaspora remains largely unengaged; and illegal mining (galamsey) continues polluting rivers despite protests.
Corruption and impunity remain widespread.
A private businessman once reportedly walked onto the floor of Parliament to bribe MPs protesting the removal of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, while rumours persist that MPs require “drinks” before performing government business.
Even the controversial $100 million National Cathedral project became embroiled in accusations of malfeasance, even as many children study under trees with empty stomachs.
Positive moments
Despite these problems, the Fourth Republic has had positive moments. Judicial independence flourished under Rawlings.
Under President Kufuor, Ghana experienced six years of strong economic growth and social interventions, though corruption was neglected.
The first year of the Mahama II administration has shown admirable responsiveness and a remarkable revival of the cedi exchange rate.
Historically, Captain Kojo Tsikata’s intervention may have prevented another Rawlings coup before the Kufuor inauguration in 2001.
Ghanaian voters themselves have repeatedly tried to elect good governments but have been thwarted by the political parties.
While frustration may tempt citizens to abandon democracy, the alternatives would ultimately be worse.
The writer is a leading member of the NPP
Political Parties
Political parties must be rescued from wealthy elites and opened so that all qualified voters can participate in primaries.
The NPP presidential primary and the NDC primary that produced Baba Jamal, critics argue, resembled auctions rather than genuine democratic contests.
The Supreme Court could also affirm the principles in the lawsuit filed by Drs Frimpong-Boateng and Nyaho-Tamakloe with Ms Nuamah.
The writer is a leading member of the NPP
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh