By Shola Adebowale
Ghana’s recent presidential election has sent a powerful message to the rest of Africa and the world: that democracy can thrive even in the most challenging of circumstances. The victory of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, and the gracious concession of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia have showcased the maturity and resilience of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Mahama’s win, which was widely acknowledged as free and fair, marks a significant moment in Ghana’s democratic journey. The election was held amid the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, and many had feared that the economic challenges would undermine the electoral process.
However, the Ghanaian people proved their doubters wrong, turning out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right. The election was marked by a high level of civility and respect, with candidates and their supporters conducting themselves with dignity and restraint.
Vice President Bawumia’s concession speech was particularly noteworthy, as he acknowledged Mahama’s “emphatic victory” and pledged to support the new government. Bawumia’s words were a testament to the strength of Ghana’s democratic institutions, and the commitment of its leaders to upholding the principles of democracy.
Mahama’s victory is also a testament to his own leadership qualities and his commitment to the welfare of the Ghanaian people. As a former President, Mahama has a deep understanding of the challenges facing the country, and has pledged to “reset” the economy and restore prosperity to the nation.
As Mahama prepares to take office, many are optimistic about his ability to address the country’s economic challenges. With his experience and commitment to the welfare of the Ghanaian people, Mahama is well-placed to guide Ghana towards a more prosperous future.
Ghana’s democratic success story is a powerful inspiration to the rest of Africa, and a reminder that democracy can thrive even in the most challenging of circumstances. As the continent continues to grapple with the challenges of democratization, Ghana stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of democratic resilience.
In a region that has experienced extremist violence and coups, Ghana’s democratic success story is a powerful reminder that democracy can be a powerful tool for promoting peace, stability and prosperity. As Mahama, the “Are Atolase of Offa Kingdom,” takes office, he will face many challenges but, with the support of the Ghanaian people and the strength of the country’s democratic institutions, he is well-placed to succeed.
In Syria, the fall of Bashar al-Assad can best be described as a perfect storm of internal and external pressures from global power players! After over a decade of brutal civil war, al-Assad’s regime has finally crumbled. The fall of his government has sparked concerns about the potential hazards of a power vacuum in the region, with various countries, including Israel, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, making moves to expand their influence in Syria.
The question must be asked: why did Assad’s regime fall at this time? The answer lies in a perfect storm of pressures that have been building for years. Internally, Assad’s regime had become increasingly isolated and weakened by the civil war. The Syrian economy was in a shambles, with widespread poverty, unemployment and infrastructure destruction. The regime’s brutal suppression of opposition and dissent also alienated many Syrians who lost faith in Assad’s ability to provide stability and security. Externally, the regime faced mounting pressure from regional and international powers. The United States in particular had been seeking to isolate and weaken Assad’s government, imposing economic sanctions and providing military support to opposition groups.
Turkey, which had long been a key backer of the Syrian opposition, had also been increasing its military presence in northern Syria, putting pressure on Assad’s forces. Saudi Arabia, another key opponent of Assad, had been providing financial and military support to opposition groups.
The final straw came when Russia, Assad’s main international backer, began to withdraw its military support from Syria. Without Russian airpower and military advisers, Assad’s forces were unable to withstand pressure from opposition groups and external powers.
As Assad’s regime collapses, the consequences are already being felt. Israel has taken advantage of the situation, with its ground forces crossing into Syrian territory for the first time since the 1973 October war. This move is likely aimed at countering Iranian influence in the region and securing Israel’s northern border.
Turkey, on the other hand, is seeking to repatriate millions of Syrian refugees living in Turkey, and has urged a peaceful transition of power in Syria. Saudi Arabia is also watching the situation closely, having been involved in efforts to shape the transition period in Syria.
The fall of Assad’s regime has also raised concerns about the potential for extremism and terrorism to flourish in the power vacuum. The Syrian opposition, which includes various factions and extremist groups, is now in control of much of the country.
The international community is calling for a peaceful transition of power and an end to the violence that has ravaged Syria for over a decade. However, with various countries jostling for influence in the region, the situation remains volatile and uncertain.
• Adebowale writes from Abuja