Ghana’s stable democracy doesn’t reflect socio-economic realities – Afua Asare-Kyei

A board member of West African Democracy Radio (WADR) and member of Meta’s Oversight Board, Afua Asantewaa Asare-Kyei, has described Ghana’s long-lasting democracy as one that has failed to reflect the socio-economic lives of the people.

Speaking at a WADR democracy forum for stakeholders ahead of the 2024 election, on the theme “Strengthening Democratic Processes: Ghana’s Preparedness for Free, Fair, and Transparent Elections,” the human rights lawyer labeled the stable democracy as largely performative.

“Consecutive elections and the alternation of power, some would argue, are not trivial accomplishments, particularly when viewed in light of the country’s history of military coups, counter-coups, short-lived governments, and trends elsewhere—not just in West Africa but beyond the continent. However, a lot is not going well, unfortunately,” she told stakeholders.

“I am of the humble opinion that Ghana’s electoral democracy has become highly performative. The socio-economic trends and realities paint a very different picture of the country. Daily existence has become a grind for millions of Ghanaians. While the country was supposed to settle into this hopeful era, things have become very difficult for the average Ghanaian,” she lamented.

Afua Asare-Kyei also urged the government to be more accountable for democracy to be meaningful.

“An alert, informed, and engaged citizenry is the foundation of democracy. Access to information is therefore a very powerful tool, a fundamental right, and the oxygen of a democratic society, with the constitutional imperatives of openness, transparency, and accountability. The government must be more transparent and accountable in order to make democracy meaningful,” she added.

Meanwhile, WADR manager Agnes John Tomasi disclosed that the forum aimed to contribute to free and fair elections in the upcoming polls.

She said, “Ghana has, over the years, been one of the examples of a democratic state in West Africa. As we observe the evolution of processes in this region, we believe that working in Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Guinea Bissau—the three countries going to the polls in 2024 and 2025—will give us the opportunity to contribute to the process of holding free, fair, and transparent elections in these countries through dialogue, such as this one.”

The forum, which included stakeholders from the Electoral Commission, Ghana Police Service, civil society organizations, and representatives from women, youth, persons living with disabilities, and the media, was held under the theme “Strengthening Democratic Processes: Ghana’s Preparedness for Free, Fair, and Transparent Elections.”