By Rasheed Draman, Executive Director, ACEPA
In the wake of Ghana’s 2024 elections, the national conversation has turned toward the future of our democracy. At a recent National Peace Council Dialogue in Koforidua (July 1-4, 2024) themed: “ Post 2024 Elections in Ghana – Dialogue for a Stronger Democracy and Social Cohesion”, I shared my reflections on fostering greater political tolerance.
I began by lamenting the fact that those who needed to hear our messages were not in the room – we were largely speaking to ourselves. Members of Parliament, government officials and party leaders were invited and had slots on the program but did not show up. We in the room, were all changemakers – civil society leaders, policy thinkers, reform advocates – but those who wield the constitutional authority to implement change did not make time to be part of this national conversation.
I then noted that if we are truly committed to political dialogue and national cohesion, we must begin by confronting a few uncomfortable truths.
- The Trust Deficit
Trust in our democratic system is eroding not just between citizens and their leaders, but among political actors themselves. The social contract is fraying.
As the Speaker of Parliament recently put it at an alumni lecture at the University of Ghana:
“The people we lead do not trust us. We need a reset of the social contract and the relationship we have with our people.”
This lack of trust breeds apathy, disillusionment, and division. Without trust, political dialogue is merely performance – empty of sincerity or hope for progress.
- A Flawed Electoral System
Our electoral framework, which has been used to run multiple elections since 1993 fuels division and has highlighted flaws that need to be addressed. The 2024 election results illustrate this clearly: a presidential race decided by a 56.42% to 41.75% margin contrasted sharply with a 70% to 30% parliamentary split for the two main political parties. This imbalance amplifies the corrosive “Winner Takes All” nature of our politics.
In his memoir, former Defence Minister Hon. Dr. Addo Kufuor wrote:
“Most political parties have ethnic biases… The ‘Winner Takes All’ aspect of the constitution engenders anxiety and resentment… Those on the losing side forfeit opportunities for influence, employment, contracts, and even scholarships.”
The questions I ask are: Can Ghana remain the exception in a region plagued by post-election unrest? Or are we on the same path?
- Selective Sincerity and Legal Inconsistency
A recurring question in our politics is this: are our leaders truly sincere? Too often, legal principles are interpreted based on political convenience – what the ruling party defends today, it decries in opposition tomorrow. This selective application of rules undermines our institutions.
It’s no wonder the public perceives certain state bodies as partisan tools – “an NDC Inspector-General of Police” or “an NPP Electoral Commission.” Where do we draw the line?
- Monetization of Politics
Money now plays a central role in political participation. Campaigns are prohibitively expensive, and political access is often transactional. But the beneficiaries of this monetized system – the political class – cannot be relied on to dismantle it.
If democracy is to be reclaimed, it must be reclaimed by the people.
- National Interest vs. Partisan Loyalty
Recent comments by political leaders on both sides of the aisle have raised serious concerns about whether the national interest is truly being prioritized.
When public figures imply that political loyalty should override constitutional responsibility, they send a dangerous signal: that power is more important than principle. This mindset deepens public cynicism and weakens our democratic institutions.
Leadership must be defined not by party allegiance but by integrity, courage, and accountability.
- Are Our Leaders Ready to Lead?
One of the more difficult questions we must ask is: are our political parties cultivating capable leadership?
Too often, decisions are based on popularity, not competence. Electability takes precedence over vision or experience. This undermines governance and hampers progress. A nation can only go as far as its leaders are prepared to take it.
- The Role of ACEPA
The African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) continues to work at the intersection of democracy, governance, and reform. Through policy dialogue, training programs, and thought leadership, we champion transparency, inclusion, trust and institutional integrity. We are beginning an exciting project on “Political Inclusion and Consensus Building: The Role of Political Parties and Parliament”. With support from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the project aims at establishing platforms for political parties to foster cooperation and tolerance as well as facilitate inter-party dialogue to reduce political tensions.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
If Ghana is to move forward, we must first speak honestly about where we are. Only through open, inclusive dialogue can we rebuild trust, reimagine leadership, and restore our democracy.
This is a moment that demands truth, courage, and unity. Let’s not waste it.
