The Gathering Storm: Ghana's Democracy on the Brink

As Ghana stands on the threshold of its December elections, dark clouds gather over what should be a celebration of democracy. The chaos erupting within the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s internal primaries—the ballot-snatching, the disorder, the annulled votes—is not just a momentary glitch in the political machine. It is a harbinger of something far more dangerous, casting doubts on the integrity of the very system meant to safeguard the people’s will.

Even more alarming are the unmistakable signals coming from those in power. President Akufo-Addo, in a brazen defiance of democratic principles, has declared on more than one occasion that he will not hand over power to the opposition. His words reverberate, joined by those of a minister who echoes the same chilling sentiment, speaking of using “every means possible” to win. And if that were not enough, a regional party chairman—confident in the dominance of his stronghold—boasts of having “over 1,000 ways” to secure victory.

These are not mere slips of the tongue. They are deliberate, unapologetic, and ominous. They are statements that, left unchecked, speak of a willingness to trample on the very foundations of democracy. And yet, where is the outrage? Where is the accountability? The silence that surrounds these declarations is not only disturbing but dangerous. It emboldens those who believe power is their birthright, even if it means disregarding the voices of the people.

What is unfolding before us is not simply the spectacle of one party’s internal turmoil. It is a dress rehearsal for a larger, more troubling play—one in which the rules of the game are bent, broken, or discarded altogether. The Electoral Commission, already under a cloud of suspicion due to its leadership’s ties to the NPP, faces an extraordinary test. Can it truly deliver a free and fair election when those at its helm are seen as anything but impartial?

The storm is building. And as we inch closer to December, Ghana must confront a simple but profound question: Will it safeguard its democratic heritage, or will it allow the forces of manipulation and power to erode the very institutions that have kept it strong? The answer, in this critical moment, will shape the nation’s future for years to come.

Let us not remain silent in the face of such dangers. Let us demand transparency, accountability, and integrity—before it is too late.