Democracy and Development in Ghana: A Look at Eight Years of NDC Rule

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF GHANA

There have been gains in the democratic adventure, but the country is still in a learning process and developing a political and democratic culture which has been absent for over ten years preceding 1992 and intermittently been disrupted in 1966, 1972 and 1981. The 1970's, however, experienced three military adventures the NRC that toppled a democratic government in 1972 and later renamed as SMC 1 under Acheampong, SMC 2 a palace coup, which succeeded SMC 1 in 1978, led by Akuffo and the AFRC under the chairmanship of Rawlings kicked out the SMC 2 in 1979. The PNDC was in control of affairs of the country in the 1981-1992 period before gradually metamorphosing into the NDC in 1992 to democratize and legitimize its rule. The recount above paints a grim picture of the country's political history and gives cause to Ghanaians to be overjoyed about the current democratic dispensation. The country has evolved from a 'culture of silence,'4 restricted press freedom, human rights abuses and a closed society to a more open society with press freedom, respect for human rights (enshrined human right provisions in the constitution guarantee this), and some political tolerance. Although, it must be stated that, a few excesses of the military days occurs infrequently. Adu Boahen in a public lecture acknowledged the existence of a 'culture of silence,' and quoted E. A. Haizel then the executive secretary of the National Commission for Democracy; 'The Culture of Silence has so entrapped the people that there is now a lot of murmuring and passivism around instead of a positive declaration of opinion.' (Adu Boahen 1989, p. 54). 'The situation is worsened by the luck of virile independent newspapers, a situation which again has been caused entirely by the PNDC government.' (Ibid. p. 55)

Gyimah Boadi (1997 and 1999) points out the gains of the country's young democracy. Some of these gains have been mentioned earlier.5

"…gains included political liberalization, which allowed Ghanaians to enjoy a much wider range of rights and liberties and they gave Ghana a vibrant, privately owned media greater scope to emerge. The postelection period also saw a modest boost in governmental transparency and accountability, thanks to the resumed publication of the Auditor General's reports, the institution of parliamentary debate, and increasing activism of constitutionally established watchdog bodies such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Media Commission as well as the crusading spirit of the private media." (Gyimah Boadi 1999, pp. 409-10).

More importantly, 'Renewed efforts to foster an environment that is conducive to economic growth and private-sector development also bore fruit. Constitutional provisions for the protection of private property were generally respected. (Ibid. p.410; Gyimah Boadi 1997 p. 79). He goes on further to say that, 'constitutional rule also opened a larger political space for civil society in Ghana, and civic associations proliferated.' (Ibid.)

On the enforcement of human rights and constitutional freedoms, Oquaye has observed that, 'Despite some initial casualties, the police were seen for the first time in the history of Ghana protecting persons demonstrating against the government.' (Oquaye 2000, p. 70). This responsible act by the police occurred in May 1995.

With respect to the media he contends that, 'Despite a number of difficulties, the media remain free to some extent. For example, the relatively favourable environment of the constitutional era enabled the press to mobilise people for the famous anti-VAT demonstrations.' (Ibid. p. 75). 'The state-owned media have, however, remained under government control.' (Ibid).

Aside, stating the strong points of NDC rule, Oquaye pushes forward some problems facing the media that he, considers to be legal, political and economic. 'The criminal libel law, which allows journalists to be imprisoned for libel against public officials should be repealed.' (Ibid) (emphasis mine). I must, however, mention that the NPP government has repealed this law not long after assuming office.

In concluding, Ghana has been through very turbulent times. The change from military rule to democratic governance has brought a lot of relief to the citizens of the country. This has also boosted economic recovery, and has increased foreign direct investment into the country due to the stability, peace and guarantee of fundamental freedoms being enjoyed by all and sundry in the country.

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