Democracy and Tribalism in Ghana; the need to separate ourselves from our works

Opinions on Thursday, October 1, 2020

Columnist: Denis Andaban

2020-10-01

Ghana is made up of people of different ethnic origins. However, nationality status brings people together amid diversity.

The founder and first president of Ghana had always believed that our diversity is our strength. In fact, time has shown that, in fact, with a sense of unity, in the spirit of nationalism, our diversity can be more precious than gold. We have been able to do so many things together.

We work together, we study together, we marry each other, and we demonstrate a certain level of mutual respect, among others.

Before the adoption of multi-party democracy in Ghana, people opposed it. Indeed, the late Kobina Sakyi occasionally warned against wholesale importation of Western multi-party democracy.

At the end of it all, the people of the Gold Coast found the need for democracy, even though the form of government equally became a war tag between politicians and political scientists. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah led a strong call for a unitary state. That call was heeded and that ensured a certain level of unity among the people of Ghana.

Now to my underlying theme. Palous (2002) argues that democracy is a form of government that implies the government of many. Its definition contrasts with the oligarchy, which is the rule of the few.

Where only a few govern, enjoy power, act in their interest and relegate the interests and points of view of the majority, it is not democracy but oligarchy.

The dichotomy must be noted carefully because the actions and inactions of the ruling class in democracy can, at any moment, change the governance model, not on paper but in fact, without many realizing it.

The assessment tool may only measure the perception of society in general. Even that due to excessive polarization, public perception is often downplayed by those in power.

The effectiveness of democracy is proven throughout the world. The literature is replete with how most of the world’s economic powers achieved this through good democratic government. According to Guo (1998), at higher levels of economic advancement, democracy would perform better than non-democratic countries in promoting economic development. Barro (1986: 14) also emphasized that the average level of democracy is the most favorable for growth, the lowest level is in second place and the highest level is third.

Although I can give many indisputable facts to justify the effectiveness of democracy, let me be succinct by relying on Taye et al (2001). According to them, one of the most important benefits of the democratic process is to reduce tribalism, ethnic alliances and cronyism in the distribution of national resources among the various tribes / clans / groups that make up the nation or state.

I want to passionately crave the leniency of readers to reflect deeply on the interpretation of Taye et al.

Having been described by many political experts as the beacon of hope for African democracy, can we, as a country, be honest and bold with the world, to proudly say that our democracy restricts tribalism and ethnic alliances? What about cronyism? Do we share the national cake equally without tribal and ethnic consideration? You sure know the reality!

The reality is that tribalism and ethnic alliances are becoming our new religion, discrimination is our downfall, and cronyism has become the new norm. That’s the sad reality that any fellow countryman or objective woman will agree with.

I think that little by little we are getting out of the way of the theoretical justification of democracy. We are relegating the interest of a great majority to the interest of the ruling class, which has been given the power to act in the interest and will of the people.

Opinions are increasingly subjective, mainly to the whims and whims of the ruling class. Those who have the opportunity to govern, not only concentrate on amassing wealth to the detriment of the people, they gain prominence to the extent that they are first-class citizens while anyone else is marginalized, hungry and in some cases, defined. in different ways.

The tribal orientation in particular cannot be blamed on any particular politician or political party. Every story has its consequences. What we have to do is take deliberate steps to strengthen our democracy. If we are reinforcing the status quo, then the future of our democracy is bleak.

Research has shown that the main political parties in Ghana have some tribal and ethnic alliances. For example, Sen’s (2000) work reveals that the PNP is perceived as a party to Asantis and the NDC aligned with Ewes. In my opinion, it is no longer an argument because the electoral registers of each of the parties vindicate this statement.

I have no qualms that political parties enjoy ethnic or tribal support. Even in the United States of America, “a citadel of democracy,” political parties have their strongholds in ways that are not very different from ethnic and tribal alliances.

My problem, however, is that once a government gains political power and tends to show obvious hatred, revenge and artificial dislike towards some groups, which might not have given it enough votes, ethnicity and tribalism take a turn for the worse. central place.

This is manifested in public discourse and political actors no longer shy away from expressing their dislike for others because of their origin. This trend polarizes and kills power and sanctifies our democracy. The rippling effect could be terrible!

The reason we must carefully appreciate our current political architecture and take pragmatic steps to instill a “national bond” and a sense of unity. One can benefit from any division and rule today, but many can suffer the repercussions of it.

Let’s think and think again.

Perhaps due to capacity, time, and resources, I may not be able to do comprehensive research to establish all the links between our democratic architect and tribalism and juxtapose the same in current events in the country, but I think researchers Political scientists especially should consider doing extensive research in this area and making the results available to policy makers.

If we do not invest in that area and begin to rejuvenate the spirit of the nation, then we will be digging our own graves. As for me, I can see and hear, but I don’t have the powers to change the situation.

My role is to advocate and hope that people learn from it. May the youth of this country begin to think the same for the love of God and the country.

God save us!

And may the spirits of our ancestors come to our rescue.

Amen!

Denis Andaban

The town boy from DBI