Peaceful Political Transitions in Ghana : Elections, Institutions, and Impact

Examining nine peaceful political transitions in Ghana from 1993 to 2025, this book covers the dynamics of these transitions, the role of local and international actors, and institutions in these transitions, and the achievements and challenges encountered.

The phenomenon of political transition has attracted considerable interest from scholars and state and non-state actors, largely because of the global emerging trend of democratic backsliding or erosion. This volume speaks to this concern by unpacking peaceful political transitions. Contributors in this edited volume by Frank Ohemeng and Joseph Ayee examine the role of politicians, institutions, bureaucrats, economic development, the electoral management body, political parties, media, gender, and international actors during nine political transitions in Ghana from 1993 to 2025. The transitions were undertaken without widespread conflict. The gains, deficits, risks, opportunities, and lessons of political transitions are also discussed.

Ultimately, the volume argues that despite the peaceful turnover of elections, which has raised Ghana’s image as a beacon of democracy, political transition continues to be challenging and requires further improvement to ensure a seamless future transition among political parties. The lessons and implications of the findings for theoretical, comparative, empirical, and policy scholarship are also highlighted.