President John Dramani Mahama has called for democracy to deliver tangible improvements in citizens’ lives, arguing that democratic governance should extend beyond the periodic holding of elections.
Addressing the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, President Mahama said citizens should be able to experience the benefits of democracy through better access to essential services and economic opportunities.
“I have always believed that democracy must deliver tangible social benefits,” he said.
“Citizens must experience democracy not only through the ballot box every four years, but through improved access to food, quality education, decent housing, accessible healthcare, and economic opportunity.”
President Mahama said the effectiveness of democratic governance should therefore be reflected in the everyday lives of citizens, alongside the protection of political freedoms and constitutional rights.
He linked the principle to Ghana’s development agenda, highlighting areas such as healthcare, social protection, infrastructure, education and economic opportunities as important components of improving living conditions.
The President also said Ghana was committed to demonstrating that democracy could work through constitutional processes, participation and consensus-building.
He noted that democratic decision-making could sometimes be slower because of these processes, but argued that they could contribute to more sustainable outcomes.
“Democracy loses its soul when it protects elite privileges while abandoning the vulnerable,” President Mahama said.
He said the connection between democratic institutions and improvements in citizens’ daily lives was central to maintaining the value and relevance of democratic governance.
By:Rachael Djabakie