Act on Observer Missions’ recommendations to strengthen Ghana’s democracy
Ghana has established itself as a beacon of democracy in Africa, particularly since the reinstatement of multiparty rule in 1992.
The nation has conducted nine consecutive elections, each characterised by peaceful transfers of power and steady advancements in electoral management.
However, a recent survey by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) reveals significant cracks in this democratic framework that cannot be overlooked.
International observer missions, including those from the African Union (AU) and the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), alongside local monitors such as the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), have highlighted several pressing challenges.
If left unaddressed, these issues could jeopardise the progress made over the past three decades.
Among these challenges are the safeguarding of the Electoral Commission's (EC’s) independence, promoting transparency in campaign financing, addressing the recurrence of electoral violence and enhancing the political engagement of young people.
The credibility of elections relies heavily on the independence and integrity of the EC. Observers from both the AU and COG have called for reforms aimed at increasing the professionalism and transparency of the EC.
They particularly stressed the necessity of reviewing the process through which commissioners are appointed and removed.
EC commissioners’ appointment
Currently, under Articles 43 and 44 of the 1992 Constitution, the President appoints EC commissioners based on recommendations from the Council of State.
While this process is constitutional, it has been criticised for allowing political bias to influence the Commission's composition, resulting in a notable decline in public trust.
Afrobarometer surveys from 2024 indicated that only 33 per cent of Ghanaians expressed confidence in the EC, with this figure plummeting further to 28 per cent by October.
Such diminishing trust places the EC among the least trusted institutions within the nation, which poses a significant threat to Ghana’s democratic integrity.
This decline in public confidence is alarming, especially in the context of closely contested elections where losing candidates may accuse the EC of bias, leading citizens to question the integrity of their votes.
This situation could trigger serious electoral violence.
Thus, urgent reforms are essential, including cross-party consultations during the appointment process, the establishment of transparent selection criteria, and fixed, staggered terms for commissioners.
Furthermore, the EC must continue its efforts to rebuild credibility, fostering an environment where stakeholders can once again trust the Commission and the electoral process as a whole.
Campaign finance
Another pressing concern is campaign finance. Observer groups, including the COG, the AU, and the European Union’s mission, have frequently highlighted the lack of effective regulations as a significant weakness in Ghana’s electoral process.
The financial demands of running political campaigns have reached unprecedented levels.
Studies conducted by CDD-Ghana and its partners indicate that winning a presidential campaign now requires funding of over US$100 million.
This high cost creates barriers to entry for ordinary citizens, especially women and young individuals, effectively shutting them out of politics.
The consequences extend beyond exclusion. Unregulated campaign spending fosters public perceptions of corruption, allowing state resources to be misused during elections, and entrenching a system of patronage.
Afrobarometer data indicate that many Ghanaians already perceive corruption as prevalent within political circles, and the lack of transparency in campaign finances further fuels this belief.
To rectify this situation, urgent reforms are required.
These should include mandatory, real-time disclosure of campaign donations and expenditures, stringent enforcement of the Political Parties Act, and clear limits on the use of state resources for campaigns.
Additionally, providing the Auditor-General and the Attorney-General with adequate resources to enforce these changes could enhance accountability.
Without these necessary measures in place, the political landscape will continue to favour those with wealth rather than merit.
Violence
For democracy to flourish, elections must take place without violence. Unfortunately, past elections in Ghana have often been associated with violent incidents.
The US State Department reported six fatalities due to election-related gunfire in 2020, while local observers noted at least eight victims. CODEO’s final report from that election cycle also highlighted significant lapses in security.
While the 2024 election was largely peaceful, it was not free from tragedy, as reports of fatalities emerged, prompting urgent calls for thorough investigations and justice for the victims.
Each outbreak of violence normalises the risks associated with elections and breeds public disillusionment about the democratic process.
Such incidents also deepen the “winner-takes-all” mentality, making it increasingly difficult to reach compromises.
Way forward
To strengthen Ghana's democracy, key recommendations include enhancing the EC’s independence through cross-party consultations and transparent selection criteria, alongside fixed terms for commissioners.
Additionally, addressing campaign finance requires mandatory real-time disclosure of donations, strict enforcement of the Political Parties Act, and limits on state resource use.
Also critical is the need to remove financial and other impediments that hinder the political inclusion of the youth and women.
Furthermore, improving accountability for electoral violence is crucial, and it entails constant improvement of transparent processes to restore public confidence.
Ghana’s democracy stands at a crossroads.
To maintain its reputation as a democratic beacon in Africa, it is vital to reform the EC, regulate campaign finance, and prevent electoral violence.
Such efforts will ensure that the voices of every Ghanaian, particularly the youth, are heard in shaping the nation’s political landscape.
The writer is a Political Scientist.
