A growing number of Ghanaians are expressing support for military intervention in politics if elected leaders abuse their mandate, according to the 2024 Afrobarometer findings.
The survey, conducted by the Centre for Democratic Development-Ghana (CDD-Ghana), reveals that 51% of citizens believe the Ghana Armed Forces should take control in such circumstances — an 11-percentage point increase from 40% in 2022.
Conversely, public opposition to military involvement is declining, with the proportion of Ghanaians who believe the military should never intervene falling from 55% in 2022 to 47% in 2024.
These findings were presented at a regional dissemination event in Kumasi, organised by CDD-Ghana in collaboration with the Centre for Community Livelihood Development.
The programme was supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the Participation, Accountability, Integrity for Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) initiative, co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, and commissioned by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is being implemented by GIZ in partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Finance.
Of particular concern is the demographic tilt toward support for military intervention, with Ghanaian youth representing the majority. Fifty-two percent of respondents aged 18–25 endorse a military takeover if leadership fails, rising to 56% among those aged 26–35
Gender differences also emerged, with 53% of men and 48% of women expressing support for military involvement under such conditions.
Presenting the findings, Ms. Mavis Zupork Dome, Senior Research Analyst at CDD-Ghana, noted that public opinion was divided on the path forward after a military takeover: 41% advocate for a gradual transition back to civilian rule, even if it takes years, while 38% prefer an immediate return to civilian governance.
Another 14% indicated they would not mind the military remaining in power indefinitely if it served the nation’s best interest.
Mr. Jonathan Donkor, Technical Advisor at GIZ, stressed the importance of citizen engagement in democratic governance.
“It is an undeniable fact that when citizen voices are included in governance, policies better serve people’s needs,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of data-driven initiatives like Afrobarometer in bridging the gap between citizens and policymakers.
The 2024 findings highlight a growing disillusionment with democratic leadership in Ghana, especially among the youth, and underscore the urgent need for stronger governance, accountability, and civic education to safeguard the country’s democratic stability.
Source: GNA