Constitution Day Lecture: Afari-Gyan raises concern on erosion of democratic institutions; says calls for constitutional review right
In a sobering assessment of Ghana’s democratic landscape, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, former head of the Electoral Commission, cautioned on Monday against the increasing fragility of the country’s foundational institutions.
Speaking at the Constitution Day Public Lecture on Monday, January 8, 2024, he sounded the alarm on a troubling nexus between corruption, waning public trust, and economic setbacks.
The seasoned electoral veteran did not mince words, pointing to a disconcerting trend where defeated political contenders increasingly cry foul, alleging electoral manipulation. Such claims, he argued, not only undermine faith in the democratic process but also cast shadows over the nation’s institutional integrity.
“Unfortunately, some of our key institutions that are becoming institutions of dubious integrity increasingly candidates who lose elections, alleging manipulation and refusing to accept the result.”
“By and large, we have not been able to diffuse the principles of democratic behavior widely into our society. And there is a general lack of predictability in social life which is a disincentive to proper behavior,” he remarked.
Highlighting the ripple effects of this erosion, Dr. Afari-Gyan spotlighted the detrimental impact on Ghana’s economic fabric. Pervasive corruption, he posited, serves as a millstone around the country’s neck, stifling growth prospects and deterring the much-needed foreign capital.
The former EC chief underscored the imperative of infusing the Ghanaian society with robust democratic values. He contended that a society anchored in democratic values would naturally gravitate towards transparency and accountability, providing a bulwark against institutional decay.
Amid growing calls for constitutional overhaul as a remedy to these maladies, Dr. Afari-Gyan struck a note of caution. While acknowledging the merits of revisiting certain constitutional tenets, he urged restraint, advocating for a judicious approach that preserves the Constitution’s foundational principles.
