Peaceful Political Transitions in Ghana

Elections, Institutions, and Impact

Frank L.K. Ohemeng, Joseph R.A. Ayee

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Edition: 1
• Year: 2026
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: African Politics
• eBook ISBN:
  9781978764132
• Index: Politics & International Relations

Examining nine peaceful political transitions in Ghana from 1993 to 2025, this book covers the dynamics of these transitions, the role of local and international actors, and institutions in these transitions, and the achievements and challenges encountered.

The phenomenon of political transition has attracted considerable interest from scholars and state and non-state actors, largely because of the global emerging trend of democratic backsliding or erosion. This volume speaks to this concern by unpacking peaceful political transitions. Contributors in this edited volume by Frank Ohemeng and Joseph Ayee examine the role of politicians, institutions, bureaucrats, economic development, the electoral management body, political parties, media, gender, and international actors during nine political transitions in Ghana from 1993 to 2025. The transitions were undertaken without widespread conflict. The gains, deficits, risks, opportunities, and lessons of political transitions are also discussed.

Ultimately, the volume argues that despite the peaceful turnover of elections, which has raised Ghana's image as a beacon of democracy, political transition continues to be challenging and requires further improvement to ensure a seamless future transition among political parties. The lessons and implications of the findings for theoretical, comparative, empirical, and policy scholarship are also highlighted.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half-Title
• Title
• Contents
• List of Figures
• List of Tables
• Preface and Acknowledgments
• Introduction: Interface of Peaceful Political Transitions, Elections, and Institutions
• 1 Theoretical Framework: Political Transition in Perspective
• 2 Bureaucracy and Regime Transition: A Subservient Servant or Master in Its Own Right?
• 3 Political Transitions and Their Impact on Economic Programmes and Development in Ghana
• 4 Electoral Management and Political Transitions: The Case of Ghana’s Electoral Commission
• 5 Political Parties in Circular Political Transitions in Ghana: A Comparative and Theoretical Perspective
• 6 Mediatization and Democratic Development: The Media and Political Transitions in Ghana, 1992–2024
• 7 Engendered Political Transitions in Ghana?: Impacts on Women’s Rights and Representation
• 8 Ensuring Effective Political Transition in Ghana: The Role of International Actors
• Conclusion: Ghana in Future Political Transitions: A Prognosis
• Index
• About the Contributors
• Copyright