Survey shows 43% of Ghanaians believe coups may sometimes be justified
A new report from the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana has found that about 43% of Ghanaians believe military takeovers can sometimes be justified, with the highest levels of support recorded in the northern parts of the country.
The study, titled Undertones and Public Perceptions of Military Rule and Democracy in Ghana, surveyed 6,719 respondents across all 16 regions of Ghana. It showed that the Savannah, Upper West, Upper East, Northern, and North East regions recorded the strongest agreement with the idea that military rule may occasionally be justified.
Interestingly, the Eastern Region also recorded significant support, with 77% of respondents indicating that military intervention could sometimes be justified.
The findings further revealed that 34% of participants would support military rule if democracy fails to improve economic conditions, while 28% said they would back it if democratic governance does not effectively address corruption.
Commenting on the findings, the Head of the Political Science Department, Isaac Owusu Mensah, said the results suggest that although citizens are critical of democratic governance, they still generally prefer it over military rule.
He explained that many respondents feel democracy has shortcomings, particularly in delivering economic progress and curbing corruption, but remain cautious about military governance due to concerns about human rights and accountability.
He added that respondents believe military regimes tend to restrict fundamental freedoms and reduce citizens’ ability to hold leaders accountable.
Despite dissatisfaction with some aspects of democracy, he noted that most Ghanaians still view it as the better option compared to military rule.
The report recommended stronger transparency measures, improved accountability systems, and more responsive governance to better address citizens’ concerns and needs.
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