By Jeremiah Nutsugah
The US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer, reminded participants that democracy is not a checklist but it needs to be fought for regularly.
During a Dialogue on Democracy Decline in West Africa: in conversation with Prof. Larry Diamond, who served as the special guest speaker.
Virginia Palmer emphasized the pervasive challenges faced by the region. “There is pervasive corruption, authoritarian regimes, restrictions on the press, human rights abuses, discrimination against minorities, and economic setbacks that erode public trust,” she noted.
“These factors not only undermine democracy but also weaken the safeguards intended to protect human rights.”
Palmer stressed the need for West Africa to combat injustice, discrimination, and the encroachment on democratic institutions.
She emphasized the importance of strengthening institutions responsible for upholding democracy and urged a focus beyond electoral processes alone.
“For our democracies to thrive, we must prioritize governance, services, inclusive economic growth, and justice for all citizens,” she asserted.
Acknowledging the critical role played by organizations in Ghana such as the National Peace Council, the National Commission on Civic Education, the Electoral Commission of Ghana, and the Ghana Police in ensuring the integrity of elections, Palmer urged other countries to emulate their examples.
She highlighted that countries deviating from democratic principles are now even less secure than they were under military rule.
Palmer also underscored the disruptive impact of disinformation and corruption on democracy, emphasizing the need to address these challenges to safeguard democratic processes.
