Findings from the 2024 Afrobarometer report show that a majority of Ghanaians prefer the military to takeover in the ruling of Ghana if elected leaders abuse their office.
According to the survey conducted by the Centre for Democratic Development-Ghana (CDD-Ghana), 51% of citizens believe the Ghana Armed Forces should take control in such circumstances.
This percentage is an increase in 11-percent as compared to the 40% who expressed similar sentiments in 2022.
In the same vein, the number of Ghanaians who oppose military involvement in ruling Ghana is declining. As it stands now, Ghanaians who believe the military should never intervene have fallen from 55% in 2022 to 47% in 2024.
These findings were presented at a regional dissemination event in Kumasi, organised by CDD-Ghana in collaboration with the Centre for Community Livelihood Development.
The programme was supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the Participation, Accountability, Integrity for Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) initiative, co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, and commissioned by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is being implemented by GIZ in partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Finance.
Of particular concern is the demographic tilt toward support for military intervention, with Ghanaian youth representing the majority. Fifty-two percent of respondents aged 18–25 endorse a military takeover if leadership fails, rising to 56% among those aged 26–35.
Gender differences also emerged, with 53% of men and 48% of women expressing support for military involvement under such conditions.
Presenting the findings, Ms. Mavis Zupork Dome, Senior Research Analyst at CDD-Ghana, noted that public opinion was divided on the path forward after a military takeover: 41% advocate for a gradual transition back to civilian rule, even if it takes years, while 38% prefer an immediate return to civilian governance.
Another 14% indicated they would not mind the military remaining in power indefinitely if it served the nation’s best interest.
Mr. Jonathan Donkor, Technical Advisor at GIZ, stressed the importance of citizen engagement in democratic governance.
“It is an undeniable fact that when citizen voices are included in governance, policies better serve people’s needs,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of data-driven initiatives like Afrobarometer in bridging the gap between citizens and policymakers.
The 2024 findings highlight a growing disillusionment with democratic leadership in Ghana, especially among the youth, and underscore the urgent need for stronger governance, accountability, and civic education to safeguard the country’s democratic stability.
