Lecturer in the Department of History and Political Studies at Mandela University, Dr Ongama Mtimka, delivering his lecture on Ghana’s independence and electoral system and Head of the Marketing Management Department, Professor Felix Amoah together with Dr Mtimka.
The lecture, titled Ghana’s Independence and Electoral System: A Beacon of Democracy in Africa, was delivered by lecturer in the Department of History and Political Studies at the University, Dr Ongama Mtimka.
Welcoming guests to the lecture, head of the Marketing Management Department, Professor Felix Amoah, emphasised the significance of Ghana’s independence, quoting Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s famous words: “The independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa.”
Prof Amoah said that while most African countries had gained political independence, the continent continued facing challenges, such as electoral violence, coups and political instability.
“This lecture served as a platform to reflect on Ghana’s electoral system and its lessons for promoting peace and stability across Africa,” he said.
In his lecture, Dr Mtimka indeed reflected on Ghana’s political evolution and its enduring significance as a model of democracy in Africa.
Ghana, the first African nation to gain independence from British colonial rule on 6 March 1957, set a precedent for other African countries in their fight for self-determination.
Dr Mtimka provided a compelling historical overview, emphasising how Ghana’s pre-colonial governance structures contributed to its successful transition to a democratic state.
He told how Ghana’s legacy includes the development of political institutions that have withstood the tests of time, reinforcing the country’s status as a leading democratic model.
“Ghana remains a beacon of democracy in Africa,” he said. “It has demonstrated the importance of strong institutions, trusted electoral processes and civic engagement in sustaining democratic governance. Its experience serves as both an inspiration and a lesson for other nations navigating their democratic journeys.”
Highlighting the role of political parties, Dr Mtimka traced the emergence of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947 and its transformation into the Convention People’s Party (CPP) under the leadership of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first Prime Minister of independent Ghana.
Dr Mtimka took his enthralled audience through how the ideological shift from moderate reform to a more radical push for immediate self-governance shaped Ghana’s independence movement and, by extension, Africa’s broader liberation struggles.
He also delved into Ghana’s post-independence challenges, including the periods of military rule and political instability that characterised much of West Africa. However, he praised Ghana’s eventual return to multi-party democracy in 1992, highlighting the country’s commitment to electoral integrity and peaceful transitions of power.
The lecture underscored Ghana’s role in shaping Africa’s political landscape and its continued relevance in contemporary debates on democracy and governance.
Dr Mtimka’s insights sparked engaging discussions among attendees, including students, academics, Municipal leaders and members of the Ghanaian High Commission, further cementing Nelson Mandela University’s commitment to fostering critical conversations on Africa’s history and future.