By Dotse Ashiadey
Emeritus Professor Jeffrey Haynes from London Metropolitan University delivered an insightful lecture at the Kronti ne Akwamu public lecture on November 12, 2024, in Accra, discussing the complex relationship between religion and liberal democracy in the country’s fourth Republic.
The event, spearheaded by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), focused on how religious actors and institutions impact Ghana’s political participation, policy-making, and social cohesion.
Professor Haynes began by recognising Ghana’s unique position in Africa as a beacon of democracy where religion has supported nation-building, fostering unity rather than division.
He noted that religion has played a constructive role in Ghana’s history, helping stabilise the country after years of military rule and being a significant force in the country’s return to democracy in the 1990s.
Highlighting Ghana’s Fourth Republic, Professor Haynes explained how religious freedom flourished, especially among Christian and Islamic communities, which grew in influence.
Churches became active voices in civil society, and Ghanaian Christians and Muslims have often pushed for political and social change. For example, he credited Christian leaders with pressuring the government to democratise in the 1980s, paving the way for Ghana’s enduring democratic system.
However, the professor pointed out some tensions between religion and Ghana’s secular constitution, raising questions about whether the growing prominence of religious voices in politics could undermine democratic freedoms.
He noted that the increasing visibility of Christian and Islamic beliefs in politics while encouraging moral values, could also challenge Ghana’s secular framework if not handled carefully.
The lecture raised three key questions: how does religion affect Ghana’s secular constitution? How do religious freedoms interact with democratic principles like freedom of expression? And how can religious institutions responsibly engage in politics without compromising democratic values?
Professor Haynes emphasised that while Ghana’s religious diversity adds strength to its democracy, maintaining a balance between religious influence and secular governance will be crucial in upholding a fair and inclusive political system.
Concluding the lecture, he suggested that Ghana’s ability to preserve both religious freedom and democratic integrity could serve as a model for other African nations.
