Ghana’s Democracy Is Being Undermined

Mr. Totobi Quakyi’s speech at the commemorative lecture in honour of former President Jerry John Rawlings has reignited an important debate about the direction of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). His remarks suggest a significant departure from the founding vision, philosophy and core values upon which the party was established.

It is both hypocritical and politically dangerous for anyone to claim loyalty to the NDC while rejecting the very ideals that gave birth to the party. Such contradictions only reinforce the growing public perception that there is little difference between the NDC and the NPP.

Former President Jerry John Rawlings repeatedly cautioned members of the NDC against imitating the NPP. He warned that the NPP was comfortable with its own identity and that the NDC should never abandon the principles that distinguished it. Unfortunately, there are increasing signs that individuals who neither appreciate nor subscribe to the party’s founding philosophy have infiltrated the NDC and are gradually eroding its values. This may explain why some have become bold enough to distance themselves from the party’s own history and traditions.

If Mr. Totobi Quakyi’s assertions accurately reflect the thinking of some within the party, then the old guard has effectively become an endangered species. Their experience and counsel are increasingly dismissed, while they are made to feel like relics of a bygone era. Such an attitude is reckless and risks undermining the unity and cohesion of the party.

History has shown that whenever the NDC returns to power, intolerance of dissenting opinions often resurfaces. Sadly, this tendency contributed to the party’s previous electoral defeats. If lessons are not learnt, the party may once again resign itself to the cycle of serving only two terms before handing power on a silver platter to its opponents. Should that happen again, returning to government may become far more difficult.

Those intoxicated by power should remember that political fortunes can change unexpectedly. Nearly five decades ago, former Head of State General Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa observed dangerous trends during the Supreme Military Council (SMC I) administration of General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong. Concerned about the direction of the country, General Afrifa wrote a cautionary letter to Acheampong. His warning was ignored. Within months, Acheampong was overthrown in a palace coup led by General F. W. K. Boakye.

Ironically, General Afrifa himself later became a victim of the political instability he had foreseen. Following the June 4, 1979 uprising led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, he and seven other senior military officers were executed by firing squad. History teaches that ignoring sincere warnings often carries grave consequences.

Mr. Totobi Quakyi’s lecture on 22 June 2026 has generated considerable public discussion. Interestingly, two other memorial lectures held within a month—in honour of former Speaker of Parliament Justice Daniel Francis Annan and former President John Evans Atta Mills—echoed similar concerns. The keynote speakers, Justice William Atuguba and Professor Kwabena Frimpong‑Boateng, both respected elder statesmen, challenged the political class to reflect on the state of Ghana’s democracy.

The fact that these lectures, honouring two former Presidents and a former Speaker of Parliament, all took place between 22 June and 22 July 2026 is remarkable. Even more striking is that the speakers, despite their different backgrounds, expressed similar concerns that Ghana’s democracy is under strain and requires urgent reforms to restore public confidence.

General Joseph Nunoo‑Mensah and Dr. Nyaho Nyaho‑Tamakloe have long expressed concerns about Ghana’s democratic journey. The fact that more distinguished senior citizens are now voicing similar anxieties should not be dismissed lightly. Their collective warnings deserve careful attention from both government and opposition.

The growing disconnect between government and citizens threatens national stability. Justice Atuguba’s observation that “the ship of state has turned backwards” should concern every Ghanaian. These are not casual remarks from political activists but sober reflections from respected statesmen whose experience enables them to recognise dangers that others may overlook.

Ghana’s long‑term development requires policy continuity and political stability. A cycle in which governments alternate every eight years risks producing only incremental or cosmetic development instead of lasting national transformation.

President John Dramani Mahama has correctly diagnosed Ghana’s challenges through his Resetting Ghana agenda. However, diagnosis alone is insufficient; effective implementation requires firmness, consistency and the unwavering application of the law. A government cannot rely solely on persuasion where individuals deliberately undermine the national interest. The rule of law must prevail equally and fairly.

Many East Asian economies transformed themselves through disciplined governance, strong institutions and rigorous enforcement of the law. While their political systems differed from Ghana’s democratic model, they demonstrated that sustained development requires decisive leadership, institutional discipline and accountability.

The current administration must therefore strengthen internal unity, address divisions within the party and focus on delivering effective governance. Public confidence will be sustained not through intolerance or fear, but through integrity, accountability, respect for democratic principles and consistent improvements in the lives of Ghanaians. If the government succeeds in these areas, it will be better positioned to earn the continued trust and support of the Ghanaian people.

Mike Kalley Sociopolitical Analyst