Political scientist John Osae-Kwapong says Ghana’s ability to sustain democratic governance for more than three decades remains one of its most significant achievements since independence.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday (5 March), the fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development said the country’s democratic stability is particularly notable given its history of military coups.
Between 1966 and 1981, Ghana experienced multiple coups that disrupted democratic governance.
However, since the adoption of the Fourth Republic in 1992, the country has maintained uninterrupted multiparty democracy.
“If you look at the last 33 years since the transition in 1992, that democratic stability would count as one of our remarkable achievements,” he said.
Osae-Kwapong acknowledged that Ghana’s democracy is not perfect but argued that the country has made significant progress in maintaining constitutional rule.
He also addressed concerns about youth unemployment and whether Ghana is adequately harnessing its youthful population.
According to him, successive governments have introduced several initiatives aimed at supporting young people, including programmes under the Youth Employment Agency.
While these initiatives demonstrate effort, he said challenges persist and may require rethinking some strategies.
“I don’t think it is a lack of trying,” he said. “Perhaps we need to rethink some of the strategies and build on those that have worked.”
He added that growing political activism among young people, particularly on social media, should be viewed as a healthy sign for democracy.
“For me it is a healthy sign. Democracy requires citizens to draw attention to the challenges they face,” he said.
However, he cautioned that youth political engagement should focus on demanding policies that address long-term challenges rather than seeking political appointments.
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