Last week, Ghana again set new standards for its African counterparts-opposition leader John Ata Mills of the National Democratic Congress was declared presidential election winner, defeating Nana Akufo-Addo of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The country that gained endearment when its founding father, Kwame Nkrumah, helped independence struggles across the continent, once again showed that democracy is possible, even in Africa.

That Mr Mills was able to floor a candidate of a ruling party, the state machinery not withstanding, is something remarkable. But the biggest credit should go to the Ghanaian electoral commission headed by Mr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, which ensured a level playing field and transparency in the poll.

This credit is deserved considering that in Uganda, Kenya and a host of other African countries, these election organisers have been guilty of electoral theft and rigging, usually in favour of the ruling parties.

African politicians, especially those lacking in patience, may need to borrow a leaf from Mr Mills. Eight years ago, he ran against NPP’s John Kuffour and lost. Four years later, he again offered himself for the position and lost.

Third time and he has emerged victor. But again, Mr Mills was only able to run all these times because he had assurance that the electoral systems were operational and independent—something other African countries need to adopt.

And coming on the heels of the coup in Guinea, the Ghanaian election was a much-needed breather. The capture of power in Guinea late last month by Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara and his National Council for Democracy and Development junta, following the death of President Lansana Conte, had thrown Africa back into the spotlight with a reminder of the dark 70s when military coups were the order of the day.

But again, as Ghana has shown, Africa will not be dragged back by the likes of Guinea. For every Guinea, there is a Ghana. It will not be long before true democracy sweeps across this continent.

The words of Alpha Kante, a taxi driver in Abidjan, the Ivorian capital, capture this mood. He told Reuters, “In this country, elections are always held in chaos, and it’s the strongest who wins.

If Ghanaians have voted for a new president without making a fuss, it’s good, and we must try to do the same.” Africa, indeed, must not just try, it must do the same.


Source: Daily Monitor, Uganda