Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, delivered a keynote speech at Nigeria’s National Conference on Strengthening Democracy. He emphasized the need for African leaders to respect the will of the people as the foundation of democracy.
Reflecting on the rising fragility of democracy in Africa, including eight coups between 2020 and 2023, Dr. Bawumia criticized leaders who manipulate constitutions to stay in power. He stressed that free and fair elections, alongside strengthened institutions like the judiciary and law enforcement, are crucial for sustaining democracy.
He encouraged citizens to hold leaders accountable through responsible discourse, avoiding misinformation and partisan bias. “Strengthening democracy is a collective effort,” he said, urging Africans to champion good governance while respecting individual liberties.
Dr. Bawumia concluded by stating that, despite its imperfections, democracy remains the best form of government to ensure freedom and rights.
