Editorial by Ghanaian Times: Ghana can be best in governance in Africa

The Ghanaian Times receives as good news the fact that Ghana has been ranked the best-performing country in governance in West Africa according to the recent World Economics Governance Index report.

It is similarly good news that the report by World Economics Research, based in London, also places the country fifth in its overall position in Africa.

First of all, the Ghanaian Times deems it an honour, as always, to praise the state of Ghana and her people for achievements that resulted from the efforts of the political establishment as an entity, relevant institutions, and the people as a whole.

It is a great joy to learn that after providing the indicators that helped the country achieve that feat, such as political stability, rule of law, accountability and government effectiveness, consistent efforts in upholding democratic values, ensuring transparency, and promoting inclusive policies, the report acknowledges the healthy participation of Ghanaians in democratic processes.

All Ghanaians should take pride in the fact that the report takes particular note of the interaction of the citizens with established institutions, laws, and the elected actors of governance within an atmosphere of tolerance.

Our cherished readers, particularly those who follow political goings-on in the country and across Africa, can give their own examples of fellow African countries whose politicians and political institutions have compromised democratic values such that election periods are times to be on tenterhooks. Is it not heartwarming to learn that the country’s ranking reaffirms its commitment to democratic principles and effective governance systems, reinforcing its status as a beacon of stability and progress in the West African sub-region?

It is good to hear that the governance evaluation considered factors like political rights, law and order, press freedom, and corruption to place the country in a respectable position in grade B with a score of 61.7.

This paper thinks the country could have done better if certain checks had been done.

There are certain happenings in the country that must be checked to improve its future scores because it is a fact that other rating institutions can rank it differently if they pay particular attention to the insolence and disregard some politicians exhibit towards journalists, for instance.

It is also the case that the citizens have issues with how law and order work in the country.

Any future rating should delve deep into whether justice is skewed in favour of some against others.

That can inform those in charge of the law and order to make amends for everyone in the country to believe in its justice system.

As a paper that desires news that says it as it is, the Ghanaian Times wishes not to dispute whatever research has been confirmed until proven otherwise by another research.

However, as a paper that ob­serves significant happenings in the country, it wishes to state that the country’s proactive approach to combating corruption and promoting transparency is not working as expected.


The media space is awash with news of corrupt practices involving public officials, and the Auditor General’s annual reports are a good source of such information.

It is about time for the powers to fix the shortfalls in the country’s governance for it to be at the top of the rankings in Africa as a whole.