Growing Disillusionment with Democracy: 22% of Ghanaians Prefer Military Rule, Survey Shows

Former President John Dramani Mahama has voiced concerns over a growing trend in Ghana where a significant portion of the population sees military rule as a preferable option to democracy. Mahama, who is also leading the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2024 general elections, addressed this issue during his keynote speech at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 64th Annual General Conference in Lagos. He emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values while addressing the underlying reasons for this shift in public sentiment.

Understanding the Shift in Public Opinion

The former President’s comments were in response to a recent Afrobarometer survey that revealed a notable change in the way Ghanaians view their country’s governance. According to the survey, 22% of respondents expressed a preference for military rule, reflecting a growing frustration among citizens regarding the current state of governance and public administration. Mahama suggested that this preference for military rule may be more of a reaction to specific governance issues rather than a wholesale rejection of democratic principles.

Mahama stated, “Time is running out to make the most crucial decisions that will once again inspire hope in the future of our democratic governance. Let me share a few examples from my own country Ghana. According to the latest Afrobarometer survey, an overwhelming 83% of Ghanaians believe the country is heading in the wrong direction.”

Alarming Statistics on Trust in Democratic Institutions

The Afrobarometer survey, which sampled a representative cross-section of Ghanaians, also highlighted other worrying trends regarding public trust in democratic institutions:

• 83% of Ghanaians believe the country is moving in the wrong direction.
• 85% rate the country’s economy as bad.
• 72% described their personal living conditions as ranging from fairly bad to bad.
• 55% of Ghanaians say they have lost trust in the Ghanaian Parliament.
• 53% have lost trust in the presidency.
• 77% believe the government is not doing enough to fight corruption.
• 64% feel that the government is failing to improve the economy.

These statistics paint a bleak picture of the current state of governance in Ghana. Mahama highlighted that the 22% of Ghanaians who favor military rule is a wake-up call for both the government and the political elite in the country. He stressed the need for urgent reforms to address the concerns of citizens and to restore trust in democratic institutions.

Root Causes of Disillusionment

The dissatisfaction among Ghanaians appears to stem from various factors, including economic challenges, corruption, and a perceived lack of effective leadership. With 85% of respondents rating the country’s economy as bad and 64% feeling that the government is not doing enough to improve the situation, there is a clear demand for change. The economic challenges, compounded by high inflation, unemployment, and a lack of social services, have fueled public frustration.

Additionally, the perceived failure of democratic institutions to address corruption is a significant factor. With 77% of Ghanaians believing that the government is not doing enough to combat corruption, there is a widespread belief that the current democratic setup is failing to deliver justice and accountability.

In his address, Mahama called on African leaders to tackle the challenges threatening democratic governance on the continent. He underscored the importance of addressing these issues before the frustration leads to more drastic and potentially destabilizing alternatives, such as a shift to military rule. He emphasized that democratic governance should not be taken for granted and that it requires constant nurturing and reforms to meet the evolving needs of the people.

He also noted that the trend of disillusionment with democracy is not unique to Ghana but is reflective of a broader sentiment across the African continent. “The African continent today is grappling with a range of complex issues that are threatening to derail our progress,” Mahama stated, pointing out the need for collective efforts to uphold democratic principles.

The Broader Implications for Democracy in Africa

The findings from the Afrobarometer survey and Mahama’s comments reflect a deeper crisis of confidence in democratic governance not just in Ghana but across several African nations. This sentiment is evident in the series of coups that have occurred in Africa over the past three years, where military takeovers were often justified as necessary to rectify perceived failings of democratic governments.

The question now facing Ghana and other African democracies is how to address these grievances effectively. For Ghana, which has long been seen as a beacon of democracy in West Africa, the Afrobarometer survey’s results suggest that its democratic institutions need urgent reforms to remain resilient and effective.

Restoring Faith in Democracy

To restore faith in democracy, there is a need for strong leadership that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people. This involves not only addressing economic issues but also ensuring that institutions like the parliament and presidency are seen as credible and trustworthy. Fighting corruption must be a priority, with tangible actions taken to hold perpetrators accountable and rebuild public confidence.

Moreover, there needs to be a renewed focus on economic development, poverty alleviation, and job creation to improve living standards. As Mahama highlighted, time is running out for Ghana to make the necessary decisions that will inspire hope and faith in the country’s democratic future.

The growing disillusionment with democracy in Ghana, as highlighted by the Afrobarometer survey, is a concerning trend that requires immediate attention. Former President John Dramani Mahama’s call for caution and emphasis on democratic values comes at a critical time. As Ghana approaches its 2024 general elections, the political landscape will need to address these challenges head-on to prevent further erosion of trust in democratic governance. The stakes are high, and the need for effective leadership and reforms has never been more urgent.