George Ayittey Commentary: What Ghana Can Teach The Rest Of Africa About Democracy

Supporters of center-right presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo pose in Kasoa, Ghana

Ghana's presidential election is tomorrow. Mr. Ayittey, a Ghanaian-born, pro-free-market economics professor in USA, opines: "What are the secrets to Ghana's [20 years of] democratic success or maturity that other African countries can learn from? Four factors account for this. The first is the existence of a free media; in particular, print and broadcast media. In Africa, radio is the life and death of information transmission and the proliferation of FM radio stations in Ghana provided an invaluable tool to expose problems, hold government accountable and ensure transparent elections."

Professor Ayittey continues his commentary: "The second factor has been the existence of vibrant and vigilant civil society groups and NGOs [non-governmental organizations] — all made possible by freedom of association, of expression and movement, as well as improvements in communication technology such as cell phones and text messaging."

More commentary from the head of the Free Africa Foundation: "The third important factor has been the maturing of political leaders, which was stupendously displayed in the 2008 elections, which the ruling NDC party won by a mere 40,000-vote margin. Elsewhere on the continent, an election that close would have spelled trouble — angry calls for a recount and descent into violence. But Nana Akuffo-Addo, the losing candidate and now a contender, graciously conceded defeat."

Professor Ayittey ain't done discussing Ghana just yet: "The fourth factor has been sheer luck. Ghana was fortunate to have one of its sons, Kofi Annan, serve as the United Nations Secretary-General (1997-2006) and co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize."