Ghana, Democratic Consolidation, and the Obstacles to Constitutional Amendments

• In Event: Issues of Democracy in Africa

Abstract

Ghana enjoys a reputation as one of the few Africans countries where multiparty democratic governance is considered consolidated. Since the country returned to this system of governance in 1992, there have been three post-election transitions from an incumbent to a newly elected government, meeting the criteria for a consolidated democracy. Additionally, the country ranks high on most international assessments of democratic governance, including respect for human rights, journalists, freedom of speech, association, and worship, and citizens’ access to legal recourse. However, despite this seeming consolidation, however, there is consensus that Ghana’s 1992 constitution that has guided the country’s democratic journey, is defective and needs to be amended. Scholars, students, businesspeople, and politicians often say that the constitution is top-heavy, stifles decentralization, has limited avenues for public accountability, and fails to meet the evolving needs of Ghanaians. Despite this seeming consensus on amendments, multiple initiatives to amend the constitution have stalled. All governments since the first transition in year 2000 have initiated to have sections of the constitution amended. Yet, none of these efforts has been successful. This paper will examine three questions related to this lack of progress on Ghana’s constitutional amendments: (a) how has Ghana been able to consolidate its democracy despite the defective constitution? Why has have all amendment processes failed? What are the implications for the future of Ghana’s democracy? This study will be based on literature reviews and expert interviews that will be conducted in Ghana this summer. It aims to contribute to the literature on the quality of democratic governance, reimagining, and renovation.

Author

• Oheneba Agyenim Boateng, Clark University