Ghana: “Liberal policies have led to a substantial level of economic growth and development.” (Prof Ken Attafuah)

Key indicators of liberalism: freedom of expression and a vibrant civil society

Ghana The biggest challenge for liberalism, and a hindrance for Ghana’s prosperity is neopatrionialism. Despite the formal existence of the rule of law and free and independent government institutions, informal institutions tend to shape political behaviour rather than formal, constitutionally mandated bodies. Patronage and foot soldier activism are two important examples of this neopatrionialism.

Prof Ken Attafuah, the Executive Director of The Justice & Human Rights Institute, held a presentation about the state of liberalism and liberal accomplishments in Ghana at an event organized by the Ghana office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. The occasion attracted a wide range of prominent participants from the spectrum of FNF’s local partners such as CDD (The Center of Democratic Development), AGI (Association of Ghana Industries) and the German community in Ghana, represented by the German Embassador, Eberhard Schanze.

Prof Ken Attafuah Subsequent to a brief overview of the profile of liberalism throughout the centuries, Prof Attafuah elaborated on the “reach of liberalism” in Ghana. He stressed that a firm entrenchment of liberalism in Ghana’s constitution has triggered economic development in Ghana, specifically the latest rise of Ghana to a middle-income country. “Its for the people of Ghana to extend the frontiers of this liberal opportunity”, emphasized Prof Attafuah, referring to the vibrant civil society present in Ghana.

To combat the challenges, the implementation of the constitution in accordance to liberal values has to be guaranteed. The democratic distribution of powers and the selection of public officials must occur “on the basis of competence and institutional loyalty rather than personal preferences”, Prof Attafuah pointed out. Transparent accounting and monitoring systems should be lobbied for.

FNF’s objective in Ghana: assist to facilitate economic development through the promotion of liberal solutions

FNF supports associations such as AGI that advocate entrepreneurial activities and encourage private investments in Ghana. AGI also observes the spending of state generated benefits such as the oil revenue and the distribution of state funds in the public interest. The foundations partner CDD champions the constitutional guarantee of private property by the rule of law, among other things.

Prof Attafuah’s concluded his presentation with the following recommendation: “Public education and administrative justice need to be promoted. An active involvement of the civil society is crucial to pursue the goal of establishing an opportunity society in Ghana.”

The discussion following Prof Attafuah’s speech revealed the participants’ vibrant interest in the subject matter.

The FNF Ghana office organises similar discussions and forums on current liberal issues through a platform named “Liberal Thursday”. The next activity of this kind will be on the topic “Land property in Ghana”.

Uta Staschewski

Program Officer

Ghana

For more information on FNF’s work in Ghana visit our website

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