A recent survey by Afrobarometer has revealed a staggering 87% of Ghanaians believe the country is on the wrong path, just 141 days before the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The report highlights a significant decline in democracy satisfaction in Africa, with Ghana experiencing a double-digit drop.
In 2011/2013, 74% of Ghanaians were satisfied with democracy, but this number plummeted to 51% in 2021/2023, indicating a 23 percentage point decline. This suggests a growing disillusionment with democracy among Ghanaians.
The report also revealed a disparity between youth and elderly citizens regarding support for democracy.
While youth and elderly citizens have similar levels of support for democracy, the youth are more willing to accept military intervention.
In Ghana, there is a growing willingness to accept military intervention, with a significant decrease in the rejection of military rule from 86% in 2011/2013 to 68% in 2021/2023.
The Afrobarometer report criticized Ghana’s recent election violence, media stifling, and erosion of institutional accountability, tarnishing the country’s reputation for clean elections.
The report expressed concern over President Nana Akufo-Addo’s increasingly heavy-handed approach, which has led to a decline in democratic satisfaction.
This report raises concerns about Ghana’s democratic trajectory and highlights the need for urgent attention to address the growing discontent among citizens.
