In an effort to bring democracy back to Africa, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reiterated his support for the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He denounced the recent wave of military takeovers and interventions that have threatened democratic governance in some regions of the continent in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 27, 2024.
“Yes, Mr. Speaker, there is a noticeable sense of unease and strain throughout the whole continent of West Africa, bringing back the threat of regional instability that we had previously believed to be extinguished. A regrettable democratic regression in the region is attested to by the unconstitutional changes in government that have occurred in several African countries, particularly in West Africa, as a result of several coup d’états and military interventions in the political system.
“We, in Ghana, continue to give maximum support to ECOWAS, the regional organization of West Africa, and the African Union, Africa’s continental organization, in their efforts to restore democratic institutions in the affected nations. It is in the interest of democratic growth that this development be reversed as soon as possible.”
In order to make the UN Security Council and other global governance institutions more accountable and representative of the world’s varied interests, he also emphasized the significance of reforming these institutions.
“We need to support West African democracy and work to halt this undesirable trend. Additionally, we think that strengthening international peace and stability and therefore supporting the consolidation of democratic rule worldwide will be facilitated by reforming the global governance architecture, such as the United Nations Security Council, to make it more accountable and representative.
The president’s address is being given in the midst of a string of violent political unrest and crises that have shaken many African nations, toppling elected administrations and suspending constitutional law.
