By A startling new report from Afrobarometer has revealed that nearly 9 out of 10 Ghanaians believe their country is heading in the wrong direction. This alarming statistic, representing 87% of the population, comes just 141 days before Ghana’s crucial December 2024 elections, painting a picture of widespread dissatisfaction with the nation’s current trajectory.
The Democracy Risk Report, released by Afrobarometer, delves deep into the sentiments of Ghanaian citizens, uncovering a significant erosion of faith in the country’s democratic process and overall governance. This overwhelming sense that Ghana is on the wrong path is not just a fleeting sentiment but reflects a decade-long trend of declining satisfaction with the nation’s democratic performance.
In 2011/2013, 74% of Ghanaians expressed satisfaction with their democracy. However, the latest data from 2021/2023 shows this figure has plummeted to just 51%, marking a dramatic 23 percentage point decline. This sharp downturn in democratic satisfaction aligns closely with the pervasive belief that the country is moving in the wrong direction.
The report highlights several factors contributing to this widespread pessimism. Ghana’s once-sterling reputation for clean elections has been tarnished by increased violence, with eight fatalities reported during the 2020 presidential polls. Furthermore, there are growing concerns about the current administration’s governance style, with accusations of media stifling and erosion of institutional accountability under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
Perhaps most concerning is the generational divide revealed in the report. Young Ghanaians, mirroring a trend seen across Africa, are showing a greater willingness to tolerate military rule compared to older citizens. The rejection of military intervention has decreased significantly from 86% in 2011/2013 to 68% in 2021/2023, indicating a worrying shift in attitudes towards democratic governance among the youth.
This pervasive belief that Ghana is on the wrong path has far-reaching implications for the upcoming 2024 elections and beyond. It suggests a populace that is deeply dissatisfied with the status quo and potentially open to significant political change. The high level of discontent could impact voter turnout and engagement, possibly leading to increased political apathy or, conversely, a surge in demand for radical change.
For political parties and candidates vying for leadership in the 2024 elections, this report serves as a crucial wake-up call. The next administration will face the daunting task of not only governing effectively but also rebuilding public trust and addressing the widespread perception that the country has veered off course.
The Afrobarometer findings also place Ghana’s situation in a broader regional context. Many African countries are experiencing similar challenges, with declining faith in democratic institutions and growing openness to alternative forms of governance. This continental trend raises questions about the future of democracy in Africa and the need for innovative approaches to governance that can better meet citizens’ aspirations.
As Ghana approaches this critical juncture, addressing the concerns highlighted in the Afrobarometer report will be paramount. This will likely require a multi-faceted approach, including electoral reform to ensure peaceful, free, and fair elections, initiatives to better engage young Ghanaians in the democratic process, and efforts to strengthen institutional accountability and media freedom.
The overwhelming belief among Ghanaians that their country is heading in the wrong direction is more than just a statistic – it’s a call to action. It challenges political leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens alike to critically examine the nation’s current path and work collectively towards redirecting Ghana onto a course that aligns with the aspirations and expectations of its people.
As the clock ticks down to the December 2024 elections, all eyes will be on Ghana. The decisions made and actions taken in the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the nation can address this pervasive dissatisfaction and chart a new course that restores faith in its democratic journey and overall direction.
Source: myjoyonline.com
