The relationship between democracy and development continues to spark debate, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where democratic nations struggle with economic hardship, rising debt, and negative credit ratings.
Despite decades of democratic rule, many African countries remain trapped in poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits, while non-democratic states such as China, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore experience rapid economic growth, food security, and lower unemployment.
This raises critical questions about whether democracy itself is failing or if the real issue lies with leadership, governance structures, and foreign influences that shape economic policies on the continent.
Democracy does not function the same way in every country. While Western nations often present democracy as a one-size-fits-all solution, the reality is that its effectiveness depends on historical, cultural, and institutional contexts.
African democracies, including Ghana’s, have largely inherited Western governance models that sometimes clash with local socio-political realities.
Many of these systems prioritize electoral cycles over long-term development planning, creating instability as new governments abandon the policies of their predecessors.
The constant political competition often results in populist decision-making rather than policies focused on economic transformation. Meanwhile, authoritarian or semi-democratic states are able to maintain consistent policies that drive industrialization and infrastructure development without the interruptions of electoral politics.
Foreign influence plays a crucial role in shaping Africa’s democracies, often dictating economic solutions that fail to align with local needs.
International financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank prescribe policies that, while well-intended, frequently result in structural adjustment programs that weaken national economies.
Conditionalities attached to loans often restrict governments from implementing independent economic policies, forcing them into cycles of borrowing that increase debt burdens rather than fostering sustainable growth.
In contrast, non-democratic states have the flexibility to implement economic policies without foreign interference, allowing them to pursue national development goals on their own terms.
Development aid, long seen as a pillar of economic support for Africa, also remains a contentious issue. While foreign aid provides immediate relief for struggling economies, it has also created long-term dependency that limits Africa’s ability to achieve economic sovereignty.
The recent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a 90-day halt on most U.S. foreign aid has led to widespread staff layoffs and program shutdowns globally.
This move has disrupted numerous international humanitarian and development programs, including critical health initiatives like PEPFAR, which provides HIV treatment to millions in Africa.
Some view the reduction of aid as a threat, arguing that it deprives vulnerable economies of much-needed financial resources.
Others see it as a wake-up call, an opportunity for Africa to break free from neo-colonial economic structures and chart a path toward true economic independence.
For Ghana and other African nations, the challenge is not just about whether democracy works, but how it can be adapted to ensure economic prosperity.
Strengthening institutions, reducing corruption, and prioritizing national interests over external pressures are critical steps in making democracy work for development.
While foreign aid and international economic partnerships will always play a role, Africa must redefine these relationships on equal terms rather than remaining in a cycle of dependency.
The resurgence of military-led governments in countries like Burkina Faso and Mali signals growing dissatisfaction with the status quo, but the real question is whether democracy, as currently practiced in Africa, can evolve to meet the demands of economic transformation and self-reliance.
By Abdul-Razak Yakubu (ARY)
Int. Development, Political & Governance Consultant