Emeritus Professor Ernest Aryeetey, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, says Ghana’s democratic struggles are not due to flaws in the constitution but stem from how the country’s political culture has evolved under democracy.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, October 20, Professor Aryeetey argued that while democracy in Africa has not delivered as expected, it has not failed the continent.
Instead, he believes African nations, including Ghana, have failed to use democracy effectively.
“Democracy has not delivered what it should for Africa, that is true, but it hasn’t failed Africa. Africa has not used democracy properly. Africa has abused democracy,” he said.
Focusing on Ghana, Aryeetey noted that the real issue is not the constitutional framework but those entrusted with enforcing it.
“The problem we have in Ghana is not the constitution. The problem is the people responsible for implementing or enforcing the constitution,” he stated. “It is our men and women who manage the constitution who have failed us miserably.”
He criticised the political culture that has developed in Ghana, saying it prioritises power over governance.
“We created a culture in Ghana where, because people are fighting for political authority, anybody and anything that guarantees them assurance of political power, they hold on to it,” he explained.
