Lessons from Ghana’s elections and democratic triumph

Ghana’s recent presidential election has once again reaffirmed the country’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa. The election serves as a template for other nations on the continent, standing out for its seamless organisation, peaceful conduct, and democratic integrity. Ghana’s commendable election reinforces that transparent, accountable, and hitch-free democracies can thrive in Africa without rancor, acrimony, or a spirit of revenge.

While it is true that Ghana is not perfect in its election conduct, compared to many African countries, Ghana is often praised for conducting relatively transparent and peaceful presidential elections. Undoubtedly, other African nations can draw several important lessons from Ghana’s recent democratic success. If replicated, Ghana’s model of democracy could improve governance across the continent, foster stability, and promote international confidence in African democratic systems.

Former Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, representing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), emerged victorious in Ghana’s 2024 presidential election. The election has been widely applauded and adjudged by both local and international observers as a flawless and transparent process, devoid of significant violence, despite the tragic shooting to deaths of two Ghanaians and some isolated incidents of unrest during the polls.

In securing victory, Mahama garnered 56.55 per cent of the votes, defeating his main rival, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), who obtained 41.61 per cent. This marks Mahama’s historic comeback to power after an eight-year hiatus following his tenure as president from 2012 to 2017. Mahama’s triumph also secured a parliamentary majority for the NDC, granting him significant leverage to implement his proposed reforms.

President-elect Mahama is set to be sworn in on January 7, 2025, as he prepares to address Ghana’s pressing economic challenges, including allegations of corruption, spiraling inflation, and a debt crisis inherited from the outgoing administration. Mahama deserves to be congratulated on his return to power. He will need all the good health, wisdom, and knowledge to restore Ghana to the path of economic growth and human development.

Political opposition leaders across Africa can learn from the loyalty, commitment, and perseverance demonstrated by Ghana’s political opposition. Notably, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat promptly, even before the official results were finalised, helping to ease post-election tensions. In a remarkable display of good sportsmanship, Bawumia stated: “The people of Ghana have spoken; the people have voted for change at this time, and we respect it with all humility.”

Former political opposition leaders in Ghana have displayed the same spirit of sportsmanship exemplified by Bawumia over the years. For example, former President John Atta Mills remained in opposition until he won the election that brought him to power as President of Ghana in 2008. Mills contested the presidency for the first time in the 2000 elections as the NDC candidate, following Jerry Rawlings’ two terms. However, he lost to John Agyekum Kufuor, the candidate of the NPP. Mills tried again in 2004 but was again defeated by Kufuor, who was seeking re-election.

Despite his losses, Mills remained steadfast in his loyalty to the NDC. Mills won the 2008 presidential election on his third attempt, narrowly defeating Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP in a highly competitive run-off. His perseverance paid off, and he became Ghana’s president in January 2009. Mills’ steadfast loyalty to the NDC and his eventual success underscores the importance of resilience and commitment in politics. His journey also reinforces the democratic values of Ghana, where peaceful transitions of power and respect for political diversity are hallmarks of the system.

African politicians should, therefore, prioritize the national interest over personal ambition, accept election outcomes, and encourage their supporters to maintain peace. Nigeria, in particular, should draw more fabulous inspiration from Ghana’s credible presidential election process. For instance, the Ghanaian election was generally peaceful. Campaigns centred on addressing Ghana’s economic difficulties, such as unemployment and inflation, resonated with voters. There was a 60.9 per cent voter turnout, reflecting efforts to engage citizens in the democratic process.

Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) demonstrated impartiality, transparency, and professionalism in managing the election process. Their diligent planning and resource management, focusing on essentials like logistics and voter education, resulted in a smooth election without major complaints and disruptions.

Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, expressed appreciation for Ghana’s credible electoral system Notably, INEC faced numerous challenges in the 2023 presidential election despite its enormous budget. Key technologies, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), designed to enhance transparency, failed at crucial moments during the presidential election, raising suspicions and complaints about the election’s credibility. The path to electoral credibility in Nigeria lies in addressing these systemic shortcomings and prioritising the integrity of its democratic processes. Without significant reforms, public confidence in INEC and Nigeria’s elections will continue to wane.

Ghana’s electoral credibility underscores the importance of efficient planning, fiscal discipline, and public trust in achieving credible elections. Through transparent operations and stakeholder engagement, Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) has built its credibility over the years. This trust has helped reduce tensions and foster public confidence in the electoral process.

In contrast, Nigeria’s electoral system struggles with a deficit of trust stemming from allegations of incompetence and bias. This mistrust often leads to voter apathy, protests, and prolonged disputes over election outcomes. Moreover, Nigeria’s elections are more complex, with multiple contests simultaneously across federal, state, and local levels. This complexity often overwhelms INEC, resulting in operational failures. Therefore, INEC should be allowed to operate impartially and independently. The appointment of the INEC Chairman, Returning Officers, and other key personnel should be removed from the influence of the President or the ruling party.

Suppose Nigerian democracy must yield the so-called democratic dividends. In that case, it must develop a national character—a unifying character that defines democracy and establishes moral parameters within which it should operate to promote the well-being of the people. Without such character, politics and political activities in Nigeria, to borrow the words of Frédéric Bastiat, the French political economist and philosopher, become nothing more than legalised plunder.

In all democracies, especially presidential systems, sovereignty resides with the people. Through periodic elections and other civic participation, the people determine who governs them and how they are governed. Nigeria, starting from INEC, political parties, individual politicians, government in power, and law enforcement agencies must work assiduously to eliminate scallywags, thieves, imbeciles, undisciplined rabble, and men of cheap appetites from seeking or attaining positions of power, or entrusting them with the sacred duty of governing their fellow citizens. Nigeria must envision a democracy that guarantees freedom, shared beliefs, shared values, and liberating principles.