How Ghana managed to avoid coups?
Over the years, many African countries have been marked by coups and political unrest. However, Ghana has managed to escape this trap and maintain relatively solid political stability. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this success.
First, it is important to recognize that Ghana has not always been spared from coups. Between 1961 and 1985, the country experienced 17 attempted coups, some successful and others unsuccessful. However, starting in 1981, the country managed to establish a democratic government and avoid further coups.
According to Ken Ochieng’ Opalo, a professor of comparative politics and an expert on Africa, one of the main reasons for Ghana’s political stability lies in the way in which President John Jerry Rawlings consolidated his rule after the coup d’état in 1981. Rawlings took violent action, executing senior officers and sentencing others to heavy sentences. Although this approach is questionable, it has served to dissuade other military personnel from seeking to overthrow the power in place.
Furthermore, Rawlings also established institutions and mechanisms of popular participation to regenerate the political life of the country. A National Commission for Democracy was created to study ways to introduce electoral participation. In addition, elected local governments were established, which allowed for greater citizen involvement in the management of public affairs.
Another important reason for Ghana’s political stability lies in the country’s economic resilience. In the 1980s, the country faced a major economic crisis, marked by a drought and the expulsion of 1.2 million Ghanaians from Nigeria. Despite these difficulties, Rawlings adopted a pragmatic strategy focused on the revitalization of rural areas and the reintegration of returnees. This approach made it possible to stabilize the situation and avoid any slide into a humanitarian catastrophe.
It is important to emphasize that these lessons from Ghana cannot be easily applied to other countries, especially those currently at high coup risk. Opalo identifies Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau in particular as being particularly vulnerable. These countries face significant security challenges, overdeveloped security sectors and international geopolitical manipulation.
In conclusion, Ghana was able to avoid coups and achieve political stability through a combination of factors. Violent regime consolidation, institutionalization of popular participation, and economic resilience have all contributed to maintaining stable governance. However, each country is unique and it is important to recognize that these solutions cannot always be implemented easily. Consolidating democracy and preventing coups remain complex challenges for many African countries.