Rethinking democracy, governance model for Ghana, Africa

Democracy in Africa is at a critical junction.

While elections are regularly held across the continent, many nations including Ghana grapple with governance issues that undermine democracy’s efficacy.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo recently highlighted that Western-style democracy has not succeeded in Africa because it was imposed without considering the continent’s cultural and societal contexts.

He noted that merely replicating electoral systems from the West has often resulted in instability, corruption and dominance by elites.

He therefore calls for a redefinition of democracy to better reflect Africa’s unique cultural realities. 

Taking a cue from President Obasanjo, to build a system that genuinely serves the people, African nations must rethink their approach to democracy, drawing inspiration from governance models that have proven effective elsewhere such as Singapore's technocratic system and Botswana's integration of traditional leadership with modern governance.

In Ghana and many other African countries, the typical Western model—characterised by periodic elections and political competition—frequently falls short of delivering meaningful development.

A significant issue is the weakness of institutions. Many state institutions including the anti-corruption agencies and judiciaries often lack independence and are susceptible to political interference.

Elite domination compounds these problems, as a small group of individuals tends to control political leadership, prioritising personal and party gains over national advancement.

This leads to rampant corruption and a lack of accountability, enabling politicians to misuse state resources with little consequence.

Despite regular elections, effective governance remains elusive, and ethnic and partisan politics intensify divisions instead of fostering national unity.

Ghana, often regarded as a model of democracy in Africa, faces these challenges as well.

While the nation displays political stability, weaknesses persist in public sector accountability, institutional independence and economic progress.

If these fundamental issues are not addressed, democracy risks becoming merely ritualistic, rather than a general driver of progress.

Unique governance framework

Africa should not merely replicate Western or Chinese models without reflection. Instead, a unique governance framework that aligns with the continent’s historical and cultural realities must be developed.

Two successful examples—Singapore and Botswana—offer valuable lessons. Under Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore evolved from a struggling nation into a global financial centre through a technocratic system.

Leadership in Singapore is based on competence, merit, and a long-term vision rather than political popularity.

The country has built independent institutions that uphold the rule of law and eliminate corruption while prioritising industrialisation, education and infrastructure over political disputes.

Singapore’s success illustrates that African nations can benefit by promoting technocratic governance, focusing on placing experts in key leadership roles rather than relying solely on politicians.

Botswana presents another noteworthy example, having emerged as one of Africa’s most stable and prosperous countries by successfully melding traditional leadership with modern governance.

The country retains a functional chieftaincy system, allowing traditional leaders to influence governance in a manner that reflects local customs and values.

Botswana’s commitment to transparency has resulted in one of the lowest corruption rates in Africa, supported by robust institutions and accountable leadership. 

Additionally, the responsible management of natural resources, especially diamonds, has been key to the nation’s sustainable development.

Ghana and other African nations could benefit from Botswana’s approach by empowering local governance structures while ensuring national policies remain inclusive, transparent and accountable.

Not just elections

Looking forward, African countries must focus on strengthening democracy beyond just holding elections.

This requires systemic reforms in crucial areas.

First, it is imperative to bolster institutions, ensuring that electoral commissions, anti-corruption bodies and judiciaries operate independently.

Their appointments should be merit-based and as much as possible, the heads of these institutions should be appointed by key state institutions and professional bodies rather than the executive.

In general, leadership roles should be assigned based on merit, shifting from a reliance on political connections towards prioritising competence, experience and performance.

Encouraging a technocratic approach in sectors such as the economy, health, industry and education can lead to improved outcomes in governance and policy implementation. 

Moreover, enforcing transparency and accountability is essential to combat corruption and financial mismanagement.

Strong anti-corruption regulations should be established, and public officials must be held accountable for their actions.

By prioritising good governance, merit and transparency, African countries can reshape their democratic frameworks and better serve their populations, avoiding the pitfalls of governance that so often plague the continent. 

In conclusion, to create a democracy that truly works for the people of Ghana and Africa, embracing a tailored governance model that reflects the continent’s unique circumstances is crucial.

By learning from Singapore and Botswana, African nations can strengthen their democratic institutions and ensure that governance leads to tangible development and progress.

Through comprehensive reforms, Africa can move beyond the limitations of an ‘ineffective electoral system’ and build towards a future where democracy is a genuine catalyst for improvements.

The writer is a Political Scientist