Ghana: A Symbol of Modern African Democracy

No election, even in advanced democracies of western Europe and the US is devoid of flaws. however, there is a way an election can be conducted where all actors in the political process can feel that they are satisfied with the outcome despite losing, or not having what they wanted. Elections in Africa are a 'do or die affair', the resultant consequences is what we saw in Kenya after the 2007 presidential election or Ivory Coast or Algeria which eventually led to civil war. The December 7, 2008 election that took place in Ghana is a pointer to the fact that even African countries can get it right in terms of organising and conducting free and fair elections.
Ghana's history is one of sadness and of unnecessary tragedy. It is the first country to achieve independence from the British on March 6, 1957. Like Nigeria, the country witnessed its first military coup in 1966, just a week after the bloody coup in Nigeria. A National Liberation Council was formed and was headed by Lt. General Joseph Arthur Ankrah. He was also removed in 1969 and Lt. General Akwasi Amankwa Afrifa became the Chairman of the NLC, which later gave way to a three-man Presidential Commission with General Afrifa as chairman. Coups and counter-coups continued till 1979 when Flt.-Lt. Jerry John Rawlings was made the Chairman Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) after mass revolt of junior officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces. The AFRC was in office for only three months and, in pursuance of a programme already set in motion before the uprising, allowed general elections to be held. On 24th September 1979, the AFRC handed over power to the civilian administration of Dr. Hilla Limann, leader of the People's National Party which had won the elections.

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