Former President John Dramani Mahama has said Ghana’s democratic stability over the years is largely due to the country’s ability to manage political competition without undermining national unity.
According to him, although political parties in Ghana vigorously contest elections and challenge each other’s policies, the nation has cultivated a culture where rivalry does not translate into the destruction of institutions or the erosion of democratic principles.
Mahama made the remarks while reflecting on Ghana’s democratic journey, stressing that the country’s progress since the return to constitutional rule in 1992 demonstrates the strength of its democratic values.
He noted that Ghana’s political actors, civil society groups and citizens have generally respected the rules governing elections and governance, allowing power to change hands peacefully.
“Our democracy has endured because we learned to compete without destroying,” Mahama said, emphasising that political competition must be based on ideas, policies and service to the people rather than hostility.
The former president added that democracy thrives when political opponents recognise that they remain partners in building the same nation, even while contesting for power.
Mahama also urged political leaders and supporters to continue upholding tolerance, dialogue and respect for democratic institutions, warning that actions driven by division or bitterness could weaken the country’s democratic gains.
He said Ghana’s reputation as one of Africa’s most stable democracies should serve as a reminder that safeguarding democratic values is a collective responsibility.
Mahama therefore called on political parties, particularly ahead of future elections, to prioritise peace and national cohesion, noting that the ultimate goal of political competition should be the development and well-being of the Ghanaian people.
