Ghana’s democracy is relatively young but has shown promising signs of greatness. Given that the country has enjoyed a peaceful transition from one party to another as well as one individual, it is no surprise that Ghana remains a shining example across the continent.

However, a few other areas require improvement to deepen, strengthen, and sustain Ghana’s democracy. One of those areas is accountability, and in this regard, two distinct institutions, the media and civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial and complementary role in holding the state and government accountable to the public.

For this reason, occasionally, the state views their activities with some reservation and hostility. That does not go to say that usually though, their relationship is cordial. The media and civil society have also demonstrated needed tenacity and restraints, and this has made them the cornerstone of Ghana’s democratic successes.

Polarization and Balance

As the country lurches into an election later this year, more specifically December 7, 2024, one cannot expect less of them. With the increasing polarization of the country along partisan lines, the media and civil society respectively constitute the unofficial “fourth and fifth arm” of the state and must provide the crucial balance that would hold the state together.

The power of the media as a force for good and evil cannot be lost in our minds. The case of the Rwanda Genocide of 1994 and the role of radio in propagating such hate is a known lesson, despite being regrettable. On the Continent, Ghana can boast of having one of the most liberal and thriving media landscapes.

There are multiple radio and television stations spread across its length and breadth. The print and online media are also doing well and both state and private media station stations exist across the board. It is the relevance of the media that, Ghana’s ex-president DR. Hilla Liman stated.

I shall, as elected President of Ghana, be forever prepared to submit to the acid test of public judgment the claims of those who may think that they represent the public more than me or any other political leader. Bluff, snobbery ,and arrogance on all sides must now cease, so that the Press Commission can function in a way that it has been envisaged by those who have never had any personal axe to grind. I have long been one of the protagonists myself. Since the functions of the Press Commission have clearly been spelt out in the Constitution, I can do no more than reassure its members and our journalists that my government will respect, uphold and defend the Constitution and thus do everything in our power to help the Press Commission discharge its obligation, in the overall interest of the public to which we are all to varying degrees accountable.
Ex-President Hilla Liman

The Ghanaian media like its sisters across the continent has seen several turbulences, with repressive and accommodative periods in the past. In defending such a period of repression under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) government, its press secretary was categorical when she said.

I don’t see the press as lying outside the political institutions that we already have. This is where I feel people ought to realise that the press differs from country to country. In a situation like ours, where we need to conscientize people, and where we have an illiteracy problem, you use institutions like the press to do the conscientization.
Joyce Aryee

Today, the media is free than it has ever been despite some tendency towards governmental control. Under the current administration, Radio Gold had its license withdrawn in a move seen by many as an attempt by the New Patriotic Party’s government to control the media environment through fear and intimidation. In a rebuttal to his critiques, President Nana Addo continues to underscore the importance of the media to Ghana’s pledging democracy.

“There is no danger of dissenting voices not being heard on any subject, even though we still have more work to do on elevating the quality of public discourse.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

Civil Society Organizations as a Bulwark

Civil Society on its part plays a pivotal role as well. Ghanaian Think Tanks like IMANI Centre for Policy and Education and the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) are heavyweights on the continent. They educate and inform both government and citizenry on policies, alternatives, and international best practices.

Furthermore, institutions like this provide the government and the public with data on several issues crucial to the country’s development. More often than not, CSOs come under criticism either from the government or its sympathizers.

Nonetheless, Civil Society just like the media constitutes a critical component of Ghana’s democratic odyssey, if the Fourth Republic is not to be a Sojourn like its predecessors, then, the pivotal role of these two establishments must be recognized, nurtured, and appreciated. Of course, it cannot be out of place to remind them that, on their part, they must act with objectivity and patriotism.