Ghana has been justifiably hailed as an oasis of peace and a role model for democratic governance in Africa despite being in a sub-region that in the past has been plagued by civil wars and political instability. Ghana’s democratic foundations have grown for over two decades as the country experienced eight consecutive elections without slipping into nationwide violence.  Since 2001, there have also been three peaceful transfers of power between Ghana’s two dominant political parties, the current ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) – the main opposition party. This makes Ghana rather unique in the African context, as most African countries since the proliferation of multiparty elections in the early 1990s have experienced some form of electoral violence. 

These achievements, notwithstanding, the comparative picture masks significant weaknesses within the Ghanaian state itself. This Policy Brief provides insights into Ghana's political economy and suggests policy solutions within specific contexts. 

Download the Policy Brief here to read more.