Bishop George Ofori-Nyadu
In many ways, the challenges of Africa democracy are a reflection of what is currently going on in Ghana. Democracy in the west has evolved over centuries and even then, its proponents understood its limitations and challenges. It is a democratically proven fact that Africa, for the most part, has raced through the democratization process in just a couple of decades. Though much of the continent considers itself democratic, only few Africa nations are considered as a citadel of democracy.
There is a growing pains associated with emerging democracies. But we thank God that the current political battles in Ghana is resolved, I believe the nation will attract potential investors and as a result brings about positive change in the lives of the people in Ghana.
As a result of the political battle which is resolved by the Supreme Court, many business and potential investors will be attracted to the nation. Ghana being the citadel of democracy in Africa has proved to the international community that we are politically mature and will not tolerate any form of political violence. In Ghana, as in many parts of Africa, members of the educated élite bristle at the notion that Western-style democracy is the solution. Either European or American-style of democracy may be good. I suggest it is about time we develop our own indigenous democracy.
But as Ghana put behind serious election crisis and has embrace flexible and responsive form of leadership. Indeed, I personally commend the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for accepting the verdict in good faith, and urged Ghanaians to forge ahead in unity and tolerance. His responsive leadership has further deepened the country’s democratic process. As a matter of fact he has proved beyond every reasonable doubt that he believed in the rule of law, by accepting the verdict of the Supreme Court.
‘We are grateful to God that, our prayers were not in vain. I will like to take this opportunity to encourage all the stakeholders to engage in serious dialogue to pursue electoral reforms in the country’s political system. This issue was a test in Ghana’s democratic development. We thank God Ghana has passed the test and this election petition has raised Ghana’s democratic credentials higher and that the positive strides would yield a lot of international goodwill for the nation now and in the coming years.
Nana Akufo-Addo’s acceptance of the verdict is very significant because it is a sign that we are ready to move on as a nation. The whole world is proud of us in regards to how we handled the election petition.
Citadel is a place of leadership and good example. A place where standards are high and discipline is strong and leaders are selfless. These are times of change and challenge. Let us return to the values that has brought us this far and has made us a citadel of democracy in Africa. We thank God that all the stakeholders of our young democracy have accepted the verdict of the Supreme Court. Now a new generation of Ghanaian leaders is emerging as I wrote on my previous article. ‘The Emergence of a new Leader’ Our challenge is not as obvious, but just as noble: We have turned our moments of crises into moments of peace. May God bless our dear nation Ghana as we have move from national crises into national peace and prosperity.
From Bishop George Ofori-Nyadu USA Presiding Bishop of All Nations International Churches
