Ghana at crossroads: Crisis of trust?

Trust is critical for the effective functioning and survival of state institutions.

Just as oxygen is vital for the human body, trust sustains the operational integrity of institutions. 

Studies have shown the crucial role of institutional trust in driving key development outcomes such as democratic governance, social cohesion, well-being and economic growth.

Scholars such as Michael Bratton and Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi, in their research, “Do Trustworthy Institutions Matter for Development? Corruption, Trust, and Government Performance in Africa”, highlight that public trust in institutions is a significant determinant of development performance. 

Thus, trust is the bedrock of a thriving society. When citizens believe in the integrity of their institutions and among themselves, it strengthens cooperation, lowers transaction costs, and cultivates a stable environment conducive to development.

Conversely, a deficiency of trust can stall progress. Many nations have found themselves mired in stagnation due to mutual distrust among citizens and their governing bodies.

Ghana's transition from authoritarian rule to democracy in the early 1990s marked a pivotal moment in boosting trust in state institutions, leading to significant advancements in both economic performance and governance.

For example, the introduction of a multi-party system enabled greater public participation in the electoral process, allowing citizens to exercise their right to vote and have a say in the governance of their country.

The establishment of bodies such as the Electoral Commission (EC) ensured free and fair elections, fostering trust in the political system. The same period witnessed improvements in key macroeconomic indicators such as GDP, inflation rates and interest rates. 

Distrust

Unfortunately, however, in recent years, Ghana has witnessed a troubling rise in distrust, particularly directed towards state institutions.

This growing scepticism threatens to undermine the significant strides made in governance and economic stability.

According to a recent Afrobarometer survey and the Mo Ibrahim Index, Ghanaians increasingly express doubts about key institutions, including the judiciary, the EC, the police, parliament, and the executive branch.

This sense of distrust is aggravated by widespread perceptions of corruption, inefficiency, and a diminishing commitment to transparency and autonomy within these institutions. Such dynamics present serious challenges to governance, economic stability, and social coherence. 

The current decline in institutional faith has led to a noticeable weakening of Ghana’s democratic framework. Data from Sweden’s Varieties of Democracy illustrates a steady regression from liberal democracy in the period 2003-2014 to a more limited electoral democracy from 2015 to 2023, with further decline reported in 2024.

Alarmingly, the Mo Ibrahim Index has revealed significant deterioration in Ghana’s judicial independence between 2017 and 2023.

Moreover, the erosion of trust fosters increased social polarisation and conflict among political actors. The growing division is manifested in the rising tensions among political commentators and public confrontations—evidenced by recent unrest in Parliament—which reflect a concerning erosion of social cohesion.

Such disunity undermines the collective resolve needed to effectively address the nation’s challenges and raises the risk of potential constitutional crises.

In addition, persistent distrust in state institutions threatens Ghana's economic stability. A lack of confidence in governance can deter local and international investment, as investors are less inclined to commit to environments characterised by uncertainty, corruption and inefficiency.

This distrust can stagnate economic growth, further entrenching the cycle of distrust. 

Solutions

Addressing this crisis is vital for Ghana's future. Solutions require strong leadership and collective efforts aimed at bolstering transparency, accountability, effective communication and community engagement while implementing robust measures to combat corruption.

To tackle these challenges, the government must enhance transparency and accountability in public financial management.

Regularly publishing details of government expenditures in line with Ghana’s Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) is crucial.

Public education about the existence of the Whistle-Blowers Act and strengthening protections for informants who report misconduct will empower citizens to come forward without fear of retaliation. Strict adherence to public procurement laws regarding the publication of government tenders can further boost public confidence.

Additionally, equipping anti-corruption agencies such as the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service and the Office of the Special Prosecutor, with the resources necessary to investigate and prosecute corruption will enhance trust in state institutions.

Effective communication and community engagement are equally vital. Government officials should provide regular updates on policies and projects through various channels, including press releases, social media and public forums. Engaging citizens through town hall meetings and public consultations allows for direct communication, enabling the government to address concerns and keep the public informed about ongoing initiatives.

In conclusion, Ghana stands at a critical juncture regarding the trust in its institutions. Without decisive action to rebuild this trust, the nation risks stagnation and deterioration across democratic, social, and economic dimensions.

The call to action is clear: leaders must cultivate an environment where transparency and accountability are prioritised, allowing Ghanaians to once again place faith in their institutions and collaborate towards a prosperous future.

Trust is not merely an auxiliary factor in development; it is the cornerstone upon which the nation's future stability and growth depend. Ghana must act now to restore this trust, or it may find itself on the precipice of irreversible decline.

The writer is a Political Scientist