International Democracy Day: Ghana, a democratic success story or democracy in distress?

As the world commemorates International Democracy Day, many individuals may remain oblivious to the political system governing their lives, leader selection, and protection of freedoms and livelihoods. For Ghanaian citizens, daily concerns such as food prices, school fees, unemployment, healthcare, rent, and the struggle to put meals on the table often take precedence over celebrating democracy.

However, should we take democracy for granted? Is Ghana truly a democratic success story, or are its democratic foundations weakening?

This article aims to scrutinize Ghana's democratic journey, questioning whether the nation truly embodies a thriving democracy after more than three decades of constitutional rule. Modern democracy is about participation, consent, and aspirations of the people, but it goes beyond merely voting. Democracy entails power, accountability, representation, freedom, and ultimately, whether the government serves the people.

Procedural democracy is focused on the processes and institutions that govern democratic governance, such as free and fair elections, rule of law, separation of powers, protection of fundamental rights, transparency, and accountability. Ghana has met these criteria, with successful multiparty elections, peaceful transitions of power, an independent judiciary, and a Parliament. However, the real question lies in whether democracy improves the lives of ordinary citizens.

Substantive democracy emphasizes social justice, equality, human welfare, inclusivity, minority rights, and reducing social and economic inequalities. While Ghana has successfully undergone political power transitions, it still grapples with poverty, inequality, unemployment, corruption, poor public services, exclusion, and violations of human rights. Thus, democratic governance must prioritize meaningful participation, political equality, and the conditions enabling citizens to exercise their rights effectively.