Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Emeritus Professor Ernest Aryeetey, has argued that democracy itself has not failed Africa, but rather, African nations have misunderstood and misused its potential.
Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, Professor Aryeetey said, “Democracy has not delivered what it should for Africa; that is true, but it hasn’t failed Africa. Africa has not used democracy properly. Africa has abused democracy.”
He explained that across the continent, the focus has shifted from building strong democratic institutions to pursuing political power for its own sake.
“The problem we have in Ghana is not the constitution. The problem is the people responsible for implementing or enforcing the constitution,” he emphasized.
Professor Aryeetey further noted that Ghana’s current difficulties stem from the political culture that has evolved under democracy — one that values political advantage over genuine national progress.
“We created a culture in Ghana where, because people are fighting for political authority, anybody and anything that guarantees them assurance of political power, they hold on to it,” he said.
Source: Adomonline
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