As Ghana traverses towards its 68th Independence anniversary on the 6th of March, 2025, Political Scientist and Head of the Centre for European Studies at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah Asante has called for deep reflection on the country’s post-independence progress.
Speaking on governance, economic justice, and national unity, he lamented the persistent socio-economic challenges facing Ghanaians and urged a paradigm shift in leadership and development strategies.
Dr. Asante expressed concern that despite decades of independence, Ghana continues to battle economic hardship, injustice, and poverty—issues that should have been overcome long ago.
“We have celebrated and continued to celebrate independence. But when I look at it critically, we forget about the real battle our people were fighting against. The battle after independence was to fight against economic problems, fight against injustice, and fight against poverty. Today, we still have all these evils rearing their ugly heads in our society.”
“It tells us that we have failed as a society. And that we have let our people down. Those who fought, who put their lives on the line to make sure that we survive—we have failed them.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist
He urged all Ghanaians, especially those in government, to reflect on the ideals that drove the independence struggle and align national policies with them.
Neo-Colonialism As a Challenge
Dr. Asante referenced Kwame Nkrumah’s warnings about neo-colonialism, as a result of Ghana’s quest for democracy.
“There is something that Nkrumah left us with. And that is a book that he wrote. In it, he told us that we are going to fight another battle, which is neo-colonialism. And he said that is the last stage of imperialism. Today, all the things Nkrumah said in that book have come to pass.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist
He called for a paradigm shift in Ghana’s approach to development, urging leaders to take bold steps towards economic self-sufficiency and national progress.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and National Development
Shifting his focus, Dr. Asante bemoaned the growing relevance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Ghana’s legal and governance systems. He recounted his personal experience in pursuing a Master’s program in ADR, emphasizing its importance in resolving conflicts efficiently.
“In recent times, the courts are shying away from proper litigation, which takes a whole lot of time. ADR provides an alternative where a third-party neutral helps the litigants find a solution to their problem, and then the court stands with authority on the matter.”
He described ADR as a tool that fosters dialogue and mutual understanding, reducing the burden on the judicial system. He also announced that he would be addressing the graduating students of the Institute of Paralegal Training and Leadership Studies on the theme “ADR: A Path to a More Just and Peaceful World.”
“It is the new beginning of a new life. And I will urge a lot of people to take it into consideration when they are looking at subjects that they want to consider for a better life.”
Moreover, taking a broader outlook of Ghana’s democracy concerning Ghanaian politics, Dr. Asante dismissed the notion that ethnicity and religion play a dominant role in Ghanaian electoral choices. He cited the results of the recent NPP primaries in the Ashanti Region, which saw a non-Akan candidate defeat several Akan aspirants, as evidence that voters prioritize other factors, particularly economic conditions.
He referenced the 2024 NPP primaries, where former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a Muslim, won against several Akan candidates, as further proof that Ghanaians do not vote solely along religious or ethnic lines.
Dr. Asante also highlighted historical presidential elections to illustrate his point, referencing former leaders from minority ethnic groups who won national elections.
“We have seen an Ewe leading this country in the person of Rawlings. We have seen John Mahama, coming from a small minority, leading the charge. So, it tells you that other factors matter more than ethnicity or religion.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Asante emphasized that economic condition is the deciding factor, and would remain the most critical factor in Ghanaian elections. He urged political leaders to focus on economic growth and poverty alleviation instead of exploiting ethnic and religious sentiments for political gain.
He stressed that the electorate ultimately votes based on their living conditions, job opportunities, and financial security rather than ethnic or religious affiliations.
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante’s reflections ahead of Ghana’s Independence Day celebration serve as a wake-up call for both leaders and citizens. He urged a reassessment of the nation’s progress, emphasizing economic justice, national unity, and pragmatic governance as the true paths to fulfilling Ghana’s independence aspirations.
His call for a paradigm shift resonates with Nkrumah’s vision of a self-reliant Ghana—one that remains unshackled by neo-colonial influences and committed to genuine development.
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