Mahama Declares Ghana a Democracy in Ruins
Mahama noted that international observers are increasingly critical of Ghana's governance
- He referenced Kwame Nkrumah's legacy
- His comments coincide with a high-profile legal battle involving Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Speaker Alban Bagbin
- The Supreme Court upheld its decision to stay Bagbin's declaration of vacant seats
John Mahama, the Presidential Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has voiced serious concerns about Ghana’s current democratic standing, labeling the nation a poor example of democratic governance.
During his tour of the Northern Region, the former president criticized the lack of judicial independence and the diminishing autonomy of state institutions, arguing that this has led to a global perception of disappointment in Ghana’s governance.
“Everywhere I go, people ask, ‘What happened to Ghana? The Ghana of Kwame Nkrumah?’ Once seen as a beacon of democracy, today we’ve become a bad model. Our judiciary is compromised, state institutions are in disarray, and our economy is struggling,” Mahama lamented.
His remarks come in the context of ongoing legal disputes involving Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin. Afenyo-Markin initiated legal action after Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant. The Supreme Court has since issued a stay on the Speaker’s declaration, with Bagbin countering with his own suit to overturn the Court’s ruling.
Despite arguments presented by all parties, including the Attorney-General, the Supreme Court upheld its original decision, deeming the Speaker’s appeal without merit.
