President John Mahama has warned that democracy is facing serious setbacks in parts of West Africa, with the resurgence of military rule in some countries, but insists Ghana remains determined to demonstrate that constitutional democracy can deliver prosperity and opportunity.

Addressing the National Assembly of the Republic of Zambia on Thursday, 5 February, President Mahama said Ghana is on a clear mission to prove that democracy works, even as democratic gains in the sub-region continue to be eroded by the return of military dictatorships.

“In our sub-region of West Africa, democracy is backsliding with a return to military dictatorships. Ghana, however, is on a mission to prove that democracy works. Our people can achieve prosperity and opportunity under a constitutional democracy,” he said.

He described transparent and accountable leadership as a critical factor in changing Africa’s development narrative, stressing that the continent needs leadership that allows democratic institutions and anti-corruption laws to function without fear or favour.

“The institutions and laws to fight corruption must be allowed to operate without fear or favour. Abuse of public trust must be punished. We must protect public resources and use them efficiently for the good of our people,” President Mahama said.

Quoting former United States President Barack Obama, who said, “Africa does not need strongmen but strong institutions,” he emphasised the need for independent and effective democratic institutions, particularly Parliament and the judiciary, to serve the public interest.

“We must build our democratic institutions to be independent and efficient. Parliament and the judiciary must work independently in the public interest,” he noted.

President Mahama further called on political leaders to respect the Constitution and the oaths they swear, describing constitutionalism as the bedrock of democracy.