What Ghana can teach Africa about Democracy

John found a great article on CNN with the above title by George Ayittey, a native of Ghana.  We have just finished an election here in Ghana...a peaceful change of power, I might add.
"The Africans take elections very seriously, unlike their Western counterparts, rising up early to queue patiently in line for hours under the hot sun and cast their ballots.  Unlike it's neighbor to the west, Ivory Coast, Ghana has successfully held elections and transferred power on five occasions since 1992 without imploding."

Ayittey thinks that there are 4 factors contributing to the democratic success in Ghana.

First...the existence of a free media; in particular, print and broadcast media.  Ghana is one of only 10 out of 54 African nations to have a free press.  In Ghana, radio is the tool where Ghanaians get their information.  During elections, the FM radio and their reporters apparently ensure a level of transparency not seen anywhere else.  We listen to the radio coming and going to work each morning, and our driver is a faithful FM listener.  Second to "talk shows" concerning many subjects, Sam listens to preachers, and then American "oldies", (our personal favorite).  It seems most people in Ghana use the TV only for soccer games and "soap operas".
Below is a news stand where the papers are posted for the day and you can purchase them, or just stand and read what is happening.  Everyone has access to the "daileys"

(This young hawker is walking along selling newspapers in the road while talking on his cell phone.  Pretty good while avoiding traffic, too.)

Second...Ghana has vibrant and vigilant civil society groups and NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations).  Improvements in communication technology such as cell phones and text messaging has made this possible.  We see very poor people on the streets each day scraping out a living, but they have a cell phone.  Word of anything travels very fast here.

Third...The political leaders and parties have matured over the years.  Losing candidates graciously concede defeat and retire to run again next time.  Even following the untimely death in July of President Atta-Mills, the transition to a new president was very smooth.

This is the Flagstaff House, built by an Indian contractor for the previous ruling party of Ghana to mark the 50th anniversary of Ghana's independence.  When the first President of Ghana, Nkrumah was in office, it was his official residence...then later Army headquarters.  The re-construction of this building cost up to $50 million dollars and was criticized by the opposition party (NDC) during the 2008 elections.  They felt the money could have been better used in rural areas of Ghana for food and education.  When the NDC was sworn into office in 2009, they refused to use the building and it became the temporary offices for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Recently, however, the new President, John Mahama, has again moved into the Flagstaff House, to bring about unity between the parties.

Fourth...Ayittey says is "sheer luck".  Ghana has a Kofi Annan, ex UN Secretary-General and co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.  Although he is from Kumasi, Kofi Annan has an NGO here in Accra and plays an important role in ensuring peaceful elections in Ghana.  He is also Chancellor (President) of the University of Ghana.

(We just passed another Independence Day celebration.  56 Years.  Congratulations, Ghana!)

One not so happy note:
We have been dealing this last week with our US Embassy here in Accra.  We have been trying to secure visas for 4 of our graduate students to visit the US to attend the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) annual conference in April in Anaheim, CA.  It is a chance to meet with thousands of fellow audiologists and the students will probably never have that opportunity again.  We cannot say that we have been overwhelmed with the co-operation of our Embassy personnel. It costs our students $160 and a long application form to just be able to make an appointment.  After securing invitations, letters from the Foreign Ministry, the University of Ghana, and Oticon (who is providing the funding), our students stood in line for hours this last Tuesday to have interviews.  They were all denied a visa.  Why you ask?  They cannot prove they will return to Ghana.  Really?  No appeal process.   We went again today to talk to one of the Consulars and his response was to apply again.  Another $160 each?  Really?  Of course they will return to Ghana!  They are 2 months away from graduation!  You think after 3 years of study they will not return to take their finals, turn in their research projects and pick up their diploma?  Really?  We are quite discouraged.  John said the most disappointing thing was the pathetic condition of the US flag in front of the Embassy...very tattered and dirty.  I told him the condition of the US flag was an indication of the embassy's customer service.

Update:  Not known for giving up...John contacted 2 lawyers who are here on a mission and work at the Area Offices.  This couple, the Taylors, were kind enough to advise us to write a letter to the office of Senator Lee (of Utah).  They then forwarded the letter on and we received an immediate response after explaining our situation.  Senator Lee was kind enough to send an individual letter for each student to attach to their new application to add weight to their argument.  Then, Elder and Sister Taylor graciously made a contribution which, with a little added from us, paid the reapplication fees for the 4 students.  Yesterday, the students met with a member of the Ghanaian Parliament at the Flagstaff House who promised them that he would send the letter from the Foreign Minister through diplomatic channels before they go for their interviews next week.  So they have re-applied and now we wait.
Photo taken by Elder Joe Reed.  I borrowed it, because she was so cute!  She is wearing her stuffed animal on her back just like the big mamas do with their babies.

 As a postscript to a previous blog post, we thought you would enjoy this sign.  Undertaker, coffins and ambulance services in a one-stop shopping experience.
 Right, Janet...it does not inspire much confidence, especially as the ambulance is only transportation with no medical personal of any kind on board.  But they have flashing lights and a siren!!