Across the Niger with Ukachukwu Okorie
There is an old African proverb that says ‘He who fetches the ant-infested firewood invites the lizard to a party.’ It’s one that says a lot about the discourse on African democracy, in particular. At times it seems as if organising a smooth transition from one government to another – a necessary aspect of the democratic process – is truly a futile project. Though there are a few countries whose structures of government are transparent and strong, in all fairness it must be declared that African elections remain a do-or-die affair.
In this respect, Ghana’s recent election is a breath of fresh air, and we ought to doff our hats to its people. Unless you are new to African issues, Ghana – formerly known as the Gold Coast – was a frontrunner in the struggle for the liberation of Africa from the grip of colonial rule. Perhaps history has inspired Ghana to stage a comeback in setting the pace for Africa in the 21st century.
The origin of modern democracy in Ghana started with Dr Kwame Nkrumah in 1957, but it was interrupted by the men in khaki, like in most other African countries, which disrupted the course of development. However, Jerry Rawlings returned a chequered Ghana to the path of democracy in 1992 and laid down a foundation for the stable developing nation we admire today.
After a nail-biting month following the 7 December general election, which saw two presidential run-offs on 28 December and 2 January, opposition candidate Professor John Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was declared the new president of Ghana. The 64-year-old claimed 50.23 per cent of the overall vote, against 49.77 per cent to Nana Akufo-Addo of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). It was third time lucky for Atta Mills, who contested and lost in two previous elections to the outgoing John Kufuor.
The significance of this election for Ghana – and Africa – is great, especially when one considers that the country’s neighbours in west Africa seem unable to get their act together. Ghana is now gradually positioning itself as an upcoming economic and political tiger among its contemporaries. Since 1992, the country has held four peaceful elections, thereby sending a strong message of confidence to investors and visitors who are looking for calm environments to spend their time and money. It’s no longer news that small-scale African entrepreneurs are shifting their bases to Accra and other growing cities in Ghana.
This election points to the fact that African democracy is slowly but surely growing, as incumbents are beginning to realise that their people can no longer be taken lightly. Ghana’s election should certainly resonate throughout the continent, especially in Nigeria where elites and incumbent officials steal votes with bravado.
Ghana’s smooth transition to a new democratic government is a healthy tonic after the indigestion brought on in the wake of disastrous elections in Zimbabwe and Kenya.
As African leaders issue their congratulatory messages, they should themselves emulate Ghana in achieving peaceful and violence-free elections. With Ghana’s calm election, that nation is continuing the trail blazed by Nkrumah not just for his own land, but for all ofAfrica.
Ukachukwu Okorie is originally from Nigeria. He has recently completed an MA in Globalisation at Dublin City University, and writes a weekly column for Metro Éireann
olumoukachukwu@yahoo.com
