Briefing Paper

Do Institutions Matter? Managing Institutional Diversity and Change in Ghana’s Fourth Republic

“After several years of political instability and socio-economic decline partly caused by endemic militarization of politics and society, and since the inauguration of the Fourth Republic in 1992, Ghana has become a relatively stable democracy. This brief examines how the governance process in Ghana has evolved, especially the role of institutions, specifically political parties, the Electoral Commission and media in deepening and enhancing the democratic process. It argues that Ghana’s political and socio-economic development has come about as a result of deepening institutional effectiveness. In short, institutions do matter in ensuring democratic consolidation and expansion.”