Ghana's Democracy is Precarious

Despite being a young politician who may not have witnessed the successive military takeovers in the country from 1966, I must say I have had the opportunity to witness bit by bit how our 1992 Republican Constitution has strived despite numerous attempts, whether known or unknown, to relinquish it and subject Ghana to a state of confusion.

I must admit that, even though there are excessive powers vested in the Executive arm of Government, and fewer amendments in state policy directions that need to be done, our Constitution remains one of the best constitutions ever in the history of Ghana since independence.

However, I have observed with 'eagle eyes' that, from 1993 to date, political parties, political activists, and most importantly, the behaviour of the NDC as a revolutionary cum democratic organisation has always tried severally to undermine the very fibre of our institutions that uphold our democracy.

The NDCs boldly use thugs to undermine state institutions and break all state-laid-down procedures, which ensure fairness, equity, and justice.

Often, the NDCs sing their revolutionary songs and charge their thugs to unleash whatever venom they have been asked to on citizens, including the state security apparatus.

What baffles me is that state security has been reduced to the gutters, and their thugs' supremacy sometimes makes the security seem ineffective. In the recently concluded universal adult suffrage elections in December, the NDC strategically briefed their thugs (Green Army) to attack collation centers and subject the Electoral Commission, observers, including party agents, to severe beatings and destruction of public property.

We can all bear witness that the general elections were peaceful. However, attacks from NDC thugs across the country did not make the elections successful. Today, almost one month and some days after the election, the Ablekuma North Constituency still does not have a representative in Parliament.

Far from that, the recent Council of State elections held yesterday have also confirmed that the NDC thugs know no boundary and that, even as long as they exist, they have the power to quash or unleash violence on anyone, whether there is a security presence or not.

What makes the matter more dangerous and intriguing is that, having witnessed the series of attacks on some of us in full view of both the military and the police, I am advocating that my party gets internal security on board for our next elections. If possible, I have to think about getting a pistol or pump-action gun for my personal security. If I get myself a protected gun because I don't trust state security and another person also buys or we all find ways of getting pistols or guns for self-defense, what would become of this nation?

Currently, I am thinking about EC. Whether it will get the required number of staff to work freely for our nation, given what their colleagues went through in the 2024 general elections?

The 1992 Republican Constitution is well-crafted, making it difficult for a military or state security takeover, but I am concerned about internal insurrection from civilians, which might one day befall us if we don't curb this growing threat from thugs who can destroy state properties and attack anyone with impunity. Today, thugs in uniform, without any search warrant from the court, can invade people's private residential homes and begin to loot whatever they find.

The current Mahama administration is running Ghana like a banana republic where nothing works. Anyone can do whatever he likes, provided he is from the ruling party.

Today, we have seen the president's directive calling on all state institutions to nullify all appointments made after 7th December. So where should those Ghanaians go?

We are setting a dangerous path in this country, which has the propensity for internal insurrection. If we do not curb these growing threats to our democracy, one day we might overstep on the toes of the youth, and they will arise.

We must thread cautiously.

by Obiba J.K.