Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has cautioned against the weakening of Ghana’s democratic institutions, warning that politicisation erodes public trust and threatens national cohesion.
Speaking in a New Year address monitored by MyNewsGh, the 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate said Ghana’s global democratic reputation must not be taken for granted, particularly at a time when citizens are raising concerns about fairness and institutional independence.
“When institutions are weakened, democracy is weakened. When institutions are politicised, trust is lost,” Dr Bawumia said. “Ghana’s democracy must never be sacrificed on the altar of short-term political advantage.”
He referenced Ghana’s recent drop in the 2025 Global Peace Index, noting that the country had fallen six places globally and slipped within Sub-Saharan Africa, developments he said pointed to growing security anxieties and pockets of unrest.
Dr Bawumia also cited the removal of Ghana’s third female Chief Justice, describing the episode as deeply troubling for those who value judicial independence.
“The manner in which she was hounded out of office hurt many of us who believe in the separation of powers,” he said.
He urged President John Mahama to protect national stability and safeguard democratic institutions, stressing that public confidence is directly linked to consistent and independent governance.
“When confidence is shaken, progress becomes harder,” he added.
