Key Points
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Mahama warns youth are backing military rule over democracy.
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Corruption and failed promises fuel disillusionment with leaders.
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Stronger institutions are needed to restore faith in governance.
Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has warned that young Africans are increasingly losing faith in democracy and turning toward military rule.
He made the remarks during the 2025 Democracy Dialogue in Accra, hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.
Mahama said military takeovers are gaining appeal among the youth because of corruption, mismanagement, and leaders who fail to deliver on promises.
“People are tired of corruption, tired of misgovernance, tired of waiting for promises that never materialize,” he said.
He added that the trend is troubling, citing a Ghanaian survey that showed 51 percent of citizens would support military intervention if elected leaders abused their mandate.
Military coups seen as alternative to failed leadership
According to Mahama, the applause Burkina Faso’s military ruler Ibrahim Traoré received during his inauguration in January 2025 reflected a deeper frustration with civilian governments.
“If the loudest applause came not for elected leaders but for military rulers, that should trouble us deeply,” Mahama said.
He argued that democracy risks collapse if it fails to deliver on basics such as jobs, roads, healthcare, and education.
“Democracy without roads, without jobs, without hospitals, and without hope will always be at risk,” he said.
Mahama stressed that young people’s growing admiration for soldiers highlights how broken political systems are fueling disillusionment across the region.
Strengthening institutions to restore trust in democracy
The former president called for urgent reforms to strengthen democratic institutions and restore public trust.
He urged African governments to embrace accountability, ethical leadership, and civic education while protecting media freedoms.
Mahama also called on ECOWAS to take tougher stances against military coups and unconstitutional regime changes.
“Democracy cannot be sustained by rights and freedoms alone if it fails to deliver real improvements in people’s lives,” he said.
He emphasized that the future of democracy in Africa depends on leaders who can meet the needs of citizens while resisting corruption and authoritarian temptations.
