‘Ghana's Democracy Has Been Reduced to an Electoral Democracy’. Interview with Vera Abena Addo
摘要
In this conversation, Vera Abena Addo and Katharina Weber reflect on the state of democracy in Ghana, with a particular focus on the 2024 national elections and broader political dynamics. While Ghana is widely recognised as a stable democracy, Addo points to the need for more accountability, deeper political inclusion, and social justice, especially for young people. She highlights the rise of the #FixTheCountry movement, which calls for a constitutional reform and a more accountable system of governance. Ghana stands out as a political system where strong chieftaincies coexist with democratic institutions—raising ongoing debates about how these structures might be more formally integrated. The conversation examines the European Union’s role in supporting democracy-strengthening initiatives in Ghana, particularly as part of broader efforts to address migration pre-emptively. Speaking from her dual role as activist and programme officer for elections at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development, Addo highlights the crucial role of youth and women in shaping a more participatory and responsive democracy.