Ghana’s recent general election, once again, has thrust the nation into a quagmire of political tension and societal unrest. 

While the country has long enjoyed its reputation as a democratic beacon in Africa, the persistent spectre of post-election turbulence is a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities within its electoral framework. 

The cacophony of protests, allegations of malfeasance, and an atmosphere charged with distrust underscore the urgent need for profound and structural democratic reforms.

Diagnosing the malady

In diagnosing the malady, there is the need to also acknowledge the sources of electoral volatility.

• Perceived electoral aberrations

Accusations of vote tampering, discrepancies in tallying, and opaque communication from the Electoral Commission (EC) have eroded public confidence. The perceived partisanship of the EC has cast a shadow over its legitimacy, stoking widespread skepticism and dissent.

•Entrenched partisan divisions

The binary and combative nature of Ghanaian politics continues to deepen the chasm between opposing factions. Elections are seen not as contests of ideas but as existential battles, where losing is tantamount to obliteration.

•Ineffectual dispute resolution frameworks

While Ghana’s judiciary has adjudicated electoral disputes with commendable impartiality, its sluggish pace often exacerbates frustrations. The lack of expedited mechanisms to address grievances heightens the risk of unrest and violence.

•Deficient civic literacy

A significant portion of the electorate remains uninformed about the electoral process and their democratic rights. This ignorance creates a fertile breeding ground for manipulation, misinformation, and emotional reactions to contentious outcomes.

•Socio-economic disenfranchisement

The chronic issue of youth unemployment has rendered many young Ghanaians vulnerable to political exploitation. Their disillusionment with systemic inequities make them prime recruits for election-related upheavals.

Transformational reforms

Ghana’s democratic resilience demands more than rhetoric—it requires an unflinching commitment to overhauling the systemic flaws that precipitate electoral crises. Therefore it will be worthwhile to look at the following factors:

•Revitalising Electoral Commission

The EC must embody unimpeachable integrity and transparency. Real-time dissemination of results, clear procedural guidelines, and active stakeholder engagement are indispensable for rebuilding trust.

•Technological advancements

The full digitisation of electoral processes, from voter registration to result transmission, is non-negotiable. These innovations must be fortified with robust cyber security frameworks to ensure their credibility and security.

•Elevating civic awareness

A reinvigorated National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) should champion extensive public sensitisation campaigns. Citizens must be educated on democratic principles, non-violent participation, and avenues for seeking redress.

•Independent Mediation Body

Ghana urgently needs a non-partisan electoral ombudsman to swiftly arbitrate disputes. This entity should be empowered to de-escalate tensions and provide equitable resolutions outside the courtroom.

 •Addressing youth marginalisation

Tackling unemployment and expanding economic opportunities for the youth are essential for diminishing their susceptibility to political exploitation. Policies that empower young people economically will foster greater political maturity and stability.

Wayforward

The recurring post-election chaos is an existential threat to Ghana’s democratic identity. It diminishes the moral authority of its institutions and jeopardises the nation’s socio-political stability. Reforms must be swift, decisive, and encompassing, with political leaders, civil society, and citizens playing collaborative roles in their implementation.

Democracy is not a static achievement but a dynamic process that demands vigilance and renewal. Ghana’s democratic legacy hangs in the balance, and the responsibility to safeguard it cannot be overstated. The nation must rise above its current challenges and recommit to the principles of justice, transparency, and inclusivity.

In the face of adversity, Ghana has the opportunity to redefine its democratic trajectory. The world watches, and the time for decisive action is now.

The Writer is Regional Superintendent, Assemblies of God,Ghana Eastern Region B @voicefromafarnews