Ghana
Ghana performs in the mid-range across all four categories of the Global State of Democracy framework. Although it is among the world’s top 25 per cent of countries with regard to several factors, it has experienced notable declines in Credible Elections, Access to Justice and Freedom of Association and Assembly in the last five years. Ghana is rich in natural resources, notably oil and gold. Its economy, which relies mainly on services and agriculture, is experiencing its worst crisis in decades, resulting in record-high inflation and soaring cost of living.
Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana gained independence from British colonial rule in 1957 under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah, who became the country’s first prime minster and later president. The first three and a half decades of independence were marked by authoritarianism, coups and extended military rule, before the reintroduction of multi-party elections in 1992 ushered in a democratic transition.
Since then, Ghana has held eight successful elections, which have resulted in multiple turnovers of power between the two dominant political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). However, two disputed presidential elections (2012 and 2020) had to be adjudicated by the Supreme Court; its independence was questioned by the NDC. Nevertheless, the peaceful transfer of power and resolution of disputes through courts have largely contributed to political stability.
Ghana is a multi-ethnic country, with the Akan composing the largest group and significant minorities of the Mole-Dagbani, Ewe, Ga-Dangme, and Gurma groups. The NPP draws its core support from Akan ethnolinguistic enclaves in the Ashanti Regions and has roots in Akan-led political parties, while the NDC relies on the Ewes from the Volta Region and support from northern Ghana. Nevertheless, it takes cross-ethnic coalitions to win presidential elections, making ethnic and regional balance crucial considerations in the formation of any government. Party politics is also characterized by ideological polarization between the NPP (center right) and the NDC (center left).
Recent opnion data highlights declining satisfaction with Ghanaian democracy. Among the most pressing concerns for citizens are economic management, employment, and corruption, all of which have become politically salient in the context of the debt crisis that unfolded following the implementation of austerity measures. Corruption and governance problems have prompted public anger and protest movements; such movements are often met with concerning, heavy-handed response by the police.
In terms of gender equality, some progress has been made in the areas of health and education, yet significant gaps remain in the economic and political spheres. Gender-based violence persists, driven by poverty, unequal power structures and cultural traditions. Further, LGBTQIA+ rights – especially freedom of expression and association – remain uncertain, with the recent passing of a controversial anti-LGBTQIA+ rights bill facing major pushbacks.
Looking ahead, it will be important to watch Credible Elections in view of the upcoming elections in December 2024, particularly in light of Ghanaians’ mistrust of the electoral commission and their declining assessment of the fairness of the country’s elections. As citizens increasingly prioritize anti-corruption efforts, the work of the the Office of the Special Prosecutor remains critical for strengthening trust. It will also be important to monitor Gender and Social Group Equality, considering the recently proposed Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Bill and uncertainty over the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
Last updated: August 2024
https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/
September 2024
President signs affirmative action bill into law to boost gender equality
The President signed the long-awaited Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill into law on 19 September 2024, ending a process that began in 1998. The law’s primary objective is to improve women’s representation including by increasing the proportion of seats held by women in parliaments, local governments and managerial positions to a minimum of 30 per cent by 2030, with a longer-term goal of 50/50 gender balance. Today, women hold less than 15 per cent of parliamentary seats in Ghana. The law introduces mechanisms such as compliance certification and gender-responsive budgeting, along with support structures like political party mandates and committee oversight to enforce its goals. The law does not impose heavy penalties for noncompliance. This development has been hailed by the United Nations as a significant step in addressing gender disparities in Ghana, while gender scholars caution that full implementation and monitoring will be critical to ensuring its impact.
Sources: Parliament of Ghana, The Africa Report, Reuters, Inter-Parliamentary Union, United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, The Conversation, BBC
Nationwide protests call for electoral transparency and accountability
On 14 September, mass protests erupted across all 16 regions of Ghana, marking one of the largest demonstrations in recent years. Hundreds of thousands of people reportedly participated, demanding greater electoral transparency and accountability. The protests were sparked by accusations from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which claimed the Electoral Commission had manipulated the voter register ahead of the 7 December 2024 general elections. The NDC raised concerns about missing names, irregularities, and the inclusion of over 50,000 deceased individuals on the voter roll. In response, the opposition called for an independent forensic audit of the voter roll and a bipartisan probe into the Electoral Commission’s conduct. Despite the Electoral Commission’s denial of wrongdoing, the scale and geographic spread of the protests highlight growing public demand for electoral reforms.
Sources: The Africa Report (1), The Africa Report (2), Jeune Afrique, BBC, AP News
Widespread protests escalate over illegal mining crisis
On 30 September, a coalition of civil society organizations, labor unions, media outlets, and religious leaders staged a three-day protest in Ghana, demanding stricter enforcement of laws against illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey”. While galamsey has long been an issue that has severely degraded the environment over the years, these protests are significant for the unprecedented involvement of such a wide range of actors. Protesters called for a state of emergency in affected areas, the removal of illegal miners, and the revocation of mining licenses. The environmental toll, including poisoned rivers and deforestation, threatens livelihoods and water sources for millions. The government clashed with protesters, leading to dozens of arrests and raising concerns about the suppression of dissent. Galamsey has been blamed for polluting 60 per cent of Ghana’s water bodies, with analysts warning the country may need to import water by 2030 if the crisis continues.
Sources: ISS Africa, The Africa Report, Africa News, Jurist News, BBC
February 2024
Parliament passes new LGBTQIA+ law; President asks Court to rule on its constitutionality
On 28 February, the Parliament passed a law that would impose new penalties not only on same-sex sexual acts (up to five years in prison), but also on people who are open about a non-heterosexual orientation (up to three years in prison). The law, entitled the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, had its first reading in Parliament in 2021, but received a great deal of opposition within Ghana and abroad. Ghana’s Finance Minister warned the government that approval of the law could endanger funding from the World Bank on which Ghana’s economic health depends. On 5 March, President Nana Akufo-Addo stated that he will not assent to the law and give it legal force until after a review of its constitutionality by the Supreme Court.
Sources: Ghanaian Times, Pulse, Business Ghana, Ghana Web
January 2024
Six people sentenced to death after conviction for treason
On 24 January, the High Court in Accra concluded Ghana’s first treason trial since 1966, convicting six people of high treason and sentencing them to death by hanging. Three others who had been charged were found not guilty. All nine co-defendants had pleaded not guilty. The group was accused of plotting to overthrow the Ghanaian government in 2019. They were arrested in 2019 in a large police operation that also seized a cache of firearms, ammunition, and three grenades. Three of those convicted were members of the armed forces. Ghana has not carried out an execution since 1993, and abolished capital punishment for most crimes in August 2023 while leaving open the possibility to impose the death penalty in cases of treason.
Sources: Africa News, Africa Report, British Broadcasting Corporation, The Guardian
July 2023
Cabinet minister arrested on suspicion of corruption
Amidst a severely challenging national economic situation that includes a shortage of foreign reserves, a Ghanaian cabinet minister was arrested in late July on suspicion of corruption after a large amount of foreign currency (one million US dollars and three-hundred thousand euros) was reported stolen from her home. After news of the reported crime became public, Cecilia Abena Dapaah resigned from her position as Minister of Sanitation in President Nana Akufo-Addo’s cabinet. She herself was arrested and questioned several days later. Dapaah’s resignation leaves only two women in the 19-person cabinet.
Source: British Broadcasting Corporation, Pulse, Modern Ghana
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