The political landscape in Africa is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with citizens demanding greater transparency and accountability from their leaders.
This wave of political consciousness is reshaping governance, and according to Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, Ghana is no exception.
He pointed out that this shift has led to increased trust in leadership across various countries.
“The dynamics of politics are changing on the continent. From Senegal, and Kenya to South Africa, civilian governments are being stretched to their limits on the altar of accountability by active citizens; and the results have been positive.”
Franklin Cudjoe
Cudjoe draws particular attention to South Africa, where a coalition government is demonstrating how political collaboration can lead to tangible improvements.
Citing economist Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Cudjoe highlighted how South Africa’s government of national unity has yielded significant results.
He explained that the arrangement initially bolstered investor confidence and then swiftly transitioned into action. Longstanding issues that had persisted for years were resolved within months by an opposition party member serving within the government.
According to him, rather than having one ruling party constantly facing criticism from multiple opposition parties, the collaborative approach has ensured that all stakeholders are actively involved in governance.”Ten parties are in charge! It’s a model we must watch.”
This model of political cooperation, where various factions work collectively rather than in opposition, has delivered rapid and effective governance solutions.
If Ghanaian politicians can adopt a similar approach, the country may see unprecedented progress in policy implementation and governance effectiveness.
Ghana’s Political Landscape in 2025
Accordingly, Franklin Cudjoe believes that Ghana, under the leadership of President John Mahama, is experiencing its own version of political transformation.
He noted that Mahama’s administration is shifting the perception of governance from one riddled with deception and corruption to one that prioritizes accountability and the fulfillment of promises.
“Enter Ghana in 2025—From a manifesto that humanizes solutions to basic problems of want and access to healthcare, education, and food, to jargon and slogan-free budget that simply prioritizes allocations.
“However small, the little good human-centered things promised in the manifesto, the overriding outcome of our recent election is that our president, John Mahama, is redefining politics in Ghana…”
Franklin Cudjoe
This approach, he argued, restores faith in governance and ensures that political commitments translate into real, measurable outcomes for the people.
While it is still early days, he believes that maintaining this path will be crucial for building a stronger and more transparent political system in Ghana.
While Cudjoe praises the changes in governance, he also directs attention to the main opposition party, the NPP.
He urged them to rethink their strategy and offer a more coherent alternative to the ruling government “that learned from their many missteps.”
He pointed out that without a clear and credible vision, opposition parties risk becoming irrelevant in the evolving political environment. “They must keep it simple, truthful, and participatory.”
In a democracy, a strong and responsible opposition is essential for keeping the government accountable.
However, if their approach is disjointed and reactionary rather than visionary, they may struggle to resonate with the electorate.
Cudjoe’s remarks serve as both a warning and a challenge to Ghana’s opposition party, the NPP, to recalibrate their messaging and focus on real solutions rather than political rhetoric.
The Role of Citizens in Shaping Governance
Beyond the actions of political leaders, the shift in governance is largely fueled by an increasingly engaged and informed citizenry.
Accordingly, Franklin Cudjoe noted that even the young military leaders in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have earned the trust of civilians by demonstrating openness and transparency in their governance. “Hopefully, they’ll be back on the road to democracy.”
This underscores the growing demand for honesty in governance, whether from democratic governments or transitional administrations.
In Ghana, citizens must remain active participants in the democratic process, holding leaders accountable and ensuring that campaign promises are translated into tangible action.
The evolution of governance in Africa signals a turning point where citizens refuse to accept empty promises.
As Ghana navigates this changing political terrain, the responsibility falls on both the ruling party and the opposition to prioritize the needs of the people above political maneuvering.
For President Mahama, the challenge is to maintain the momentum of his early governance style and ensure that promises are not just words on paper but concrete actions.
Cudjoe indicated that For the opposition, the task is to develop a credible and compelling alternative that resonates with Ghanaians.
“It may be early days yet, but long may it continue. We will be watching and offering suggestions to straighten forked paths, the government may travel, with our incisive and no-holds-barred commentary.”
Franklin Cudjoe
The future of Ghana’s politics depends not just on leaders but on the collective will of its people to demand and sustain this newfound accountability.
If the current trajectory continues, Ghana could set an example for other African nations on how governance can truly be redefined.
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