An expert in International Relations, and lecturer at the Accra Business School, Dr Ishmael Kwabla Hlovor, says that Ghana has made significant strides in advancing democracy, especially within the context of democratic progress in West Africa.
He noted that, Ghana has steadily enhanced the conduct of its elections over the years.
During the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed Ghanaians’ deep and unwavering commitment to democracy, underscoring Ghana’s standing as a model for democratic governance in Africa.
Speaking on JoyNews AM Show, Dr Hlovor said, “If you look at the democratic development pattern in the subregion, West Africa and Africa for that matter, Ghana has done a relatively decent job in advancing the cause of democracy. Indeed, over the last 30 years, we have been a country that has progressively improved on the conduct of elections, regardless of the challenges we have had. Even when we are pushed to the wall, we use the digital system to address our differences, and we keep going, and that cannot be taken away from the nation Ghana.”
Dr Hlovor stated that despite the recent resurgence of coups in the subregion, Ghana has made significant progress in advancing democracy.
He noted that, as President Akufo-Addo has affirmed, he is nearing the end of his tenure and has pledged to peacefully hand over power, with no attempt to extend his rule beyond the constitutional term limit.
“In fact, all the leaders we have had under the Fourth Republic, even the one who was feared would tamper with the constitution, Rawlings, peacefully handed over. President Kufuor handed over, President Mills unfortunately passed on, President Mahama handed over, and President Akufo-Addo, through this speech, has indicated his readiness to hand over power to whoever may win the next elections. So, you must give Ghana some credit for how far we have been able to nurture and grow in democratic practice,” he added.
Source: Isaac Kafui Nyanyovor
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