Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President of Ghana, has warned African leaders that the failure to address the basic needs of their citizens poses a significant threat to democracy on the continent. Speaking in Nigeria on January 27, 2025, on the topic “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” Bawumia argued that true democracy is not just about electing leaders but about ensuring the survival and well-being of the people.
Citing Nelson Mandela, Bawumia emphasised that addressing poverty, injustice, and inequality remains central to the effectiveness of democracy. “As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality exist in our world, none of us can truly rest,” he said, highlighting the importance of shifting focus from the establishment of democratic institutions to meeting the basic needs of citizens.
Bawumia also pointed to the economic challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa, with the World Bank estimating that two-thirds of the global population living in extreme poverty resides in the region. He warned that failure to tackle poverty undermines government legitimacy and poses a threat to social stability, both of which are vital for democracy.
“For Nigeria, and much of Sub-Saharan Africa, our work is cut out for us,” Bawumia stated, calling for urgent action to restructure economic systems and governance frameworks to prioritise citizens’ welfare. He noted that when people’s immediate concern is securing their next meal, issues like democratic progress are secondary.
Bawumia further noted that citizens struggling to afford basic necessities, like the Nigerian dish “Eba,” are unlikely to value data on democratic progress. He expressed concern that growing disillusionment with government institutions is eroding public trust in their ability to meet people’s needs.
In closing, Bawumia reiterated that democracy is only meaningful when it delivers tangible benefits to citizens. “Only when people are assured of their basic needs can they fully embrace the values of democracy,” he said, urging African leaders to act decisively to alleviate poverty in order to preserve both democratic values and economic stability.
Source:TheDotNews