- Ghana's democracy has failed to deliver after 30 years, says Col. Aboagye.
- Former Minister Poku shares concerns over loss of confidence in democratic governance.
- Aboagye emphasizes democracy should improve citizens' wellbeing, not just voting.
- Corruption, accountability, and citizen wellbeing need urgent attention in Ghana.
Security Analyst Col. Festus Aboagye (RTD) has made a stark assessment that Ghana’s democratic system has failed to deliver its promised benefits after more than 30 years of existence. According to Col. Aboagye, the advantages of democratic governance have not been realised in the lives of Ghanaian citizens.
Former Minister of National Security, Francis Poku, echoed Col. Aboagye’s sentiments during a public lecture on July 1. Mr. Poku expressed grave concerns over the loss of confidence in democratic governance in the country.
Mr. Poku emphasized that if these concerns are not addressed, Ghana could face another period of political instability. He criticized the narrow interpretation of democracy as merely a process of voting every four years.
Col. Aboagye argued that the essence of democracy is to elect officials who will manage the state’s affairs across all sectors to improve citizens’ wellbeing. He stated that democracy has not been delivered, and the erroneous misconception that democracy means only voting every four years is not enough.
Col. Aboagye questioned the effectiveness of democracy when ministers and those in the political class act with impunity and without consequence. He cited examples of corruption and misbehaviour by ministers, highlighting the lack of accountability and sanctions.
He emphasized that the well-being of individuals has worsened, citing data from the Statistical Service. Col. Aboagye mentioned the instability of the cedi, rising prices, and fuel costs, which have negatively impacted the livelihood of citizens.
Col. Aboagye and Mr. Poku’s comments suggest that Ghana’s democracy has failed to meet its promises, and urgent action is needed to address the concerns of citizens. The country needs to move beyond mere voting and focus on delivering tangible benefits to its citizens.
The comments by Col. Aboagye and Mr. Poku have sparked a necessary conversation about the state of democracy in Ghana. It is crucial for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to find solutions to the challenges facing the country.
Ghana needs to re-examine its democratic system and work towards delivering its promised benefits to citizens. This includes addressing corruption, improving accountability, and ensuring that the wellbeing of citizens is prioritized.
The comments by Col. Aboagye and Mr. Poku serve as a wake-up call for Ghana to reassess its democratic journey and work towards a more inclusive and effective democratic system that benefits all citizens.
