Ghana’s governance institutions are grappling with a crisis of public confidence, with a new report revealing that trust in these institutions remains low despite the country’s strong democratic credentials. According to #GhanaWeb, the Africa Policy Lens (APL) Governance Trust Barometer shows that citizens are dissatisfied with the performance of state institutions, citing concerns over corruption, accountability, and government communication.
The Barometer, which evaluates public opinion on issues such as corruption, transparency, and accountability, reveals a fragile governance landscape. Ghana scores relatively high in electoral credibility but struggles with widespread perceptions of corruption, which undermines overall trust. “Democratic foundations remain robust, yet public trust is notably fragile,” the report notes ¹.
The report highlights gaps between institutional form and functional performance, emphasizing the need for improved accountability and state effectiveness. Citizens acknowledge the existence of laws and institutions but feel accountability is not consistently enforced, creating a gap between formal systems and lived experiences.
Dr. Hayford Mensah Ayerakwa, APL’s Director of Research and Administration, stresses that democratic gains must translate into lived experiences of safety, inclusion, and accountability. He emphasizes the importance of addressing political intimidation and protecting civic freedoms to uphold democratic norms.
The APL recommends leveraging Ghana’s electoral credibility to drive broader governance reforms, linking electoral trust to improved accountability and service delivery. By doing so, the state can enhance overall governance confidence and promote a climate of safe civic expression.
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Source: Stella Sunu
