2024 Elections Helped Stabilise Ghana’s Democracy, Says Sulemana Braimah

Introduction

In a retrospective analysis of Ghana’s recent political trajectory, Sulemana Braimah, the Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), has offered a compelling assessment of the 2024 general elections. Speaking on the PleasureNews 2025 in Review program, Braimah asserted that the outcome of the elections played a pivotal role in stabilising the nation, pulling it back from the precipice of a potential governance crisis. This article explores the precarious state of Ghana’s democracy prior to the polls, the factors that threatened constitutional order, and how the electoral process ultimately restored national stability.

Key Points

Background

The political climate in Ghana leading up to the 2024 general elections was characterized by intense anxiety and economic strain. As the country approached this critical juncture in its democratic history, the atmosphere was far from celebratory. The Fourth Republic, which has been in existence since 1992, was facing one of its most significant stress tests.

According to Braimah, the nation had drifted into a state where the foundations of governance were shaking. This was not merely a political contest between parties but a moment where the very survival of the democratic experiment seemed uncertain. The combination of an industrial downturn and a crisis of confidence among the populace created a volatile environment.

Analysis

The Economic Catalyst for Democratic Anxiety

Braimah’s analysis points directly to economic performance as a primary driver of political instability. The “industrial downturn” and “deteriorating living prerequisites” (standard of living) mentioned in his interview were not abstract concepts but daily realities for many Ghanaians. When the Ghanaian Cedi experienced severe volatility, the ripple effects were felt across all sectors.

High inflation and economic hardship often lead to a loss of faith in the incumbent government. However, Braimah suggests that this went beyond simple political dissatisfaction; it evolved into a fear that the state itself was failing. This crisis of legitimacy is a dangerous territory for any democracy.

The Specter of Unconstitutional Intervention

Perhaps the most alarming aspect of Braimah’s testimony is the revelation that concerns about a democratic breakdown were so severe that they necessitated direct engagement with state actors. He noted that there were discussions regarding the “possibility of unconstitutional intervention.”

In many West African democracies, economic crises have historically precipitated military coups. The fear that Ghana might slide down this path was palpable. Braimah highlighted a specific moment of high tension where the sitting President felt compelled to make a public appeal to the armed forces. This was a rare and desperate measure, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

He further noted that then-opposition candidate John Dramani Mahama also made similar appeals. This bipartisan recognition of the danger posed by potential military interference highlights a shared commitment to constitutionalism, even amidst fierce political rivalry.

The Stabilizing Effect of the 2024 Results

The conclusion of the 2024 elections provided a necessary release valve for the accumulated political pressure. Braimah argues that the return of John Dramani Mahama to the presidency “helped calm tensions and restore a measure of national stability.”

Crucially, Braimah emphasizes that the election outcome was accepted because it “reflected the mood of the voters.” In democratic theory, the peaceful transfer of power based on the will of the people is the ultimate affirmation of the system’s validity. By adhering to the ballot rather than the bullet, Ghana demonstrated the resilience of its institutions.

Practical Advice

For observers, students of political science, and citizens interested in the preservation of democracy in West Africa, the situation in Ghana offers several lessons:

• Monitor Economic Indicators: Economic health is intrinsically linked to political stability. Sustained economic hardship is a leading indicator of potential democratic backsliding.
• Valuing Institutional Integrity: The public appeals to the military underscore the importance of maintaining a non-partisan, professional security apparatus that is subservient to civilian rule.
• The Power of the Vote: The Ghanaian example serves as a reminder that free and fair elections remain the most effective tool for resolving national crises and legitimizing leadership.

FAQ

Conclusion

Sulemana Braimah’s assessment of the 2024 elections paints a vivid picture of a nation that navigated a treacherous political landscape to emerge more stable. The statement that the elections “helped stabilise Ghana’s democracy” is a testament to the power of the ballot box to resolve deep-seated national crises. While the economic and social challenges remain, the successful management of the transition underscores the maturity of Ghana’s democratic institutions and the collective desire of its people to uphold the Fourth Republic.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily (2025). 2024 elections helped stabilise Ghana’s democracy – Sulemana Braimah. Retrieved from original news feed.
• PleasureNews (2025). 2025 in Review: Interview with Sulemana Braimah.
• Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). Profile of Executive Director.