“I’ve never liked democracy”- George Quaye

Renowned Ghanaian creative entrepreneur George Quaye has expressed his disapproval of the country's democratic system. In an interview on Joy FM's Showbiz A-Z, Quaye argued that the four-year electoral cycle in Ghana has impeded the nation's advancement, particularly in the creative arts industry. The entrepreneur stated, "I've never liked democracy," while discussing how the democratic system has hindered the smooth operation of arts and culture initiatives.

Quaye proposed an alternative governance model, favoring a "benevolent dictatorship" and citing China's communist ideology as a more effective approach to Ghana's development. He suggested that having a system without frequent electoral changes and constant public input would yield better results. The comments follow ongoing debates about the impact of Ghana's multi-party democracy on national development.

Other influential Ghanaians, such as former Ghana Health Service Director-General Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, have also criticized the multi-party democratic system. Akosa claimed that multi-party democracy has primarily benefited the political class rather than the wider population. In April 2025, he asserted that "multi-party democracy has done nothing for this country" during a public lecture at the University of Education, Winneba.

Ghanaian broadcaster and musician Quophi Okyeame echoed similar sentiments in a 2023 interview with Joy Entertainment. Okyeame suggested that Ghana requires a benevolent dictator like the former President Jerry Rawlings to stimulate progress. He humorously remarked, "A crazier Rawlings. Africans don't move until there is a cane on their back."

Quaye made his remarks while addressing a perceived decline in momentum surrounding the current year's December Initiative (December in GH). The initiative, which had gained global recognition, seemed to have lost some of its fervor. Quaye noted the disappointment in the reduced attention and support the project had received. Despite acknowledging that new leadership brings fresh perspectives, he expressed a desire for the December in GH initiative to remain steadfast and continue its global impact.