President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that democracy cannot thrive on mere rhetoric, emphasizing that it falters when citizens lose trust, leaders forsake integrity, and institutions fall prey to capture.
During the 2025 Democracy Dialogues, hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, President Mahama urged for regional unity within ECOWAS, warning that the erosion of democracy in one nation jeopardizes stability and democratic advancement throughout West Africa.
He stated that democracy perishes when citizens lose trust, when leaders forsake integrity, and institutions fall victim to capture. However, democracy can be revitalized when citizens stand up to protect it.
Referencing former Czech President Václav Havel, President Mahama reminded attendees that “the salvation of this human world lies nowhere else than in the human heart.” He further remarked, “The endurance of democracy relies on us—leaders, citizens, institutions—and on opting for courage instead of complacency.”
The President also highlighted what he termed the fundamental pillars necessary for upholding genuine democracy in Africa.
“Democracy devoid of development—lacking roads, schools, hospitals, and employment—will perpetually be at risk,” he asserted, stressing that public trust in democratic frameworks is sustained when institutions provide concrete enhancements to their everyday lives.
He also emphasized the necessity of fortifying independent institutions, including courts, parliaments, and electoral commissions, while protecting press freedom and civic spaces.
