Addressing corruption, colonial exploitation: Paving way for democratic stability in Ghana

Ghana’s democracy stands as a notable model on the African continent, often praised for its stability and adherence to democratic norms.

However, despite this political progress, the anticipated economic benefits have not fully materialised for the majority of citizens.

This gap between democratic advancement and economic dividends holds the potential to undermine the very foundations of Ghana’s democracy.

Two major issues underlying this deficiency are pervasive corruption and the enduring structures of colonial exploitation.

Addressing these challenges is crucial for consolidating Ghana’s democracy and ensuring that its political framework translates into genuine prosperity for all Ghanaians.

Corruption

Corruption in Ghana significantly hinders economic justice, eroding public trust and deterring foreign investment.

Transparency International’s Global Corruption Index repeatedly highlights this issue in Ghana. In response, the government must prioritise strengthening anti-corruption agencies, including CHRAJ and the Office of the

Special Prosecutor, to make them more effective in combating corruption.

These institutions should be well-resourced, allowing them to conduct comprehensive investigations and hold corrupt officials accountable.

One notable initiative could be establishing a national anti-corruption hotline, similar to South Africa’s approach, where citizens can report corrupt practices anonymously.

Such a system encourages public participation in the fight against corruption, fostering a culture of accountability.

Promoting transparency within government operations is another essential step towards restoring public trust.

While Ghana has a Public Procurement Act aimed at increasing transparency, its implementation has often fallen short.

Drawing inspiration from countries like Rwanda, which has excelled in public procurement, could provide valuable insights.

Rwanda mandates the publication of all public contracts online, enabling citizens to scrutinise government spending and ensure accountability.

By adopting similar practices, Ghana could enhance public oversight of procurement processes, significantly minimising opportunities for corruption and building trust in state institutions.

Resource management

In addition to addressing corruption, Ghana must tackle the lasting impacts of colonial exploitation on its economy.

Many Ghanaians feel that current natural resource contracts are unfavourable and that the wealth generated is not fairly distributed, leading to disillusionment with democracy.

The government should focus on renegotiating resource contracts like Zambia has done to maximise benefits for citizens.

As Ghana considers constitutional reforms, a legal framework that ensures that

Parliament, not just the President, represents the people’s interests in managing natural resources, Ghana can also take inspiration from Norway’s approach to managing oil revenues.

By setting up a sovereign wealth fund, Norway has reinvested its resource wealth for future generations’ benefit.

Ghana could adopt a similar system, using the financial gains from resources to enhance education, healthcare and infrastructure development.

Empowering local communities in resource management decisions is vital for fostering inclusivity and promoting sustainable economic development.

Community consultations should play an integral role in the planning and execution of development projects.

For instance, tackling galamsey requires a collective approach that incorporates the voices of affected communities.

When local people are involved in discussions regarding resource management, their needs and environmental concerns can be addressed more effectively.

Initiatives such as educational programmes on sustainable mining practices and alternative livelihoods can empower communities to engage in responsible resource use, fostering both economic growth and environmental preservation.

Diversify economy

Furthermore, diversifying the economy is essential to counteracting Ghana’s reliance on a limited number of commodities, such as cocoa and gold.

By investing in different sectors, such as tourism and agriculture, Ghana can create a more resilient economy, less susceptible to global market fluctuations.

Countries like Botswana have successfully diversified their economies beyond diamonds by investing in tourism—a sector that could be further developed in Ghana, given its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Initiatives to promote eco-tourism, for example, can attract international visitors while simultaneously providing economic opportunities for local communities. 

Achieving these goals requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society; government, civil society and the business community.

A united front against corruption and a commitment to dismantling colonial structures are crucial for enhancing economic growth and reinforcing Ghana’s democratic foundations.

When citizens see a direct link between their democratic participation and improvements in their economic conditions, they are more likely to engage actively in the political process.

Moreover, fostering citizen engagement through educational initiatives that raise awareness about the democratic process and encourage active participation can empower Ghanaians to hold their leaders accountable, thereby strengthening democracy.

In conclusion, the path towards a more prosperous and equitable future for Ghana requires addressing the twin challenges of corruption and colonial exploitation.

By enhancing the efficacy of anti-corruption agencies, implementing transparent procurement practices, renegotiating resource contracts, vesting Ghana’s natural resources in Parliament and promoting community empowerment, Ghana can work towards an economy that benefits all its citizens.

Furthermore, diversifying economic activities will safeguard against future vulnerabilities.

Ultimately, through these efforts, Ghana can reinforce its democratic framework, ensuring that its political progress translates into concrete benefits for every Ghanaian, thereby securing a brighter future for generations to come.

The writer is a Political Scientist.