An Assessment of Liberal Democracy in the Socio-Economic Development of African States: Case Study of Ghana and Botswana

Abstract

This study particularly focuses on the existing relationship between the practice of liberal democracy and socio-economic development in Africa. The concept and practice of liberal democracy is one that is widely popular in the international system and states continually strive to adhere to and uphold the values of liberal democracy. In as much as it is largely believed that Liberal Democracy goes a long way to affect the socio-economic development of states, this assertion is contradictory among some African states. Ghana and Botswana are countries hailed in their various sub-regions as models and beacons in the practice of liberal democracy and this assertion has been given the nod by the international community. However, some socio-economic challenges particularly in the areas of youth employment rates, public basic primary education and the quality of healthcare still persist in both countries and this puts a dent on the full consolidation of liberal democracy for Ghana and Botswana. The theory underpinning this work is Liberal Democracy because the tenets of Liberal Democracy sets certain parameters to ensure that at the end of the day, all governance initiatives are geared towards the development of the citizen in its entirety is made paramount. It spells out the various characteristics of governance of Ghana and Botswana and explains why these states, as well as others in the International system, lean more towards Liberal Democracy than other forms of governance. The scope of the study is taken from 2008 to 2018 in both countries. The study relies on data acquired through secondary and primary sources of data. It also underwent a purposive sampling because there was the need to seek expert opinions in the form of semi-structured interviews as well as assessing reports and articles already existing on the topic. The data was analyzed through a qualitative and quantitative method of analysis. They reveal that despite various governments’ efforts in the form of policies and reforms to help improve and increase the socio-economic development of both countries in the areas of youth employment, public basic primary education and quality of healthcare concerning systems and prevalent health conditions in both areas, there are still certain loopholes being encountered. The indicators of youth employment, public basic education and quality healthcare were chosen because these three indicators divulge the socio-economic state of a country. Where any of these things are lacking or are not well placed, there is a likelihood for a disequilibrium in the socio-economic and even the political state of a country. This could be due to lack of commitment to the full implementation of these policies and reforms. The options available to both Ghana and Botswana include the exertion of the full force of political will. This will affect the rate at which these policies are realized, the establishment of strong institutions and a legal autonomous entity that will ensure accountability, transparency and regulate the implementation of these policies. Further, a sensitization of the citizenry of both countries as to knowing the benefits that come with participating and being concerned about education as well as practicing healthy lifestyles to curb the menace of malaria and Human Immuno-deficiency Virus and the Acquired Immune Disease Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) infections in Ghana and Botswana respectively. These initiatives will therefore help bridge the gap between liberal democracy and development by using the mechanisms provided by liberal democracy to affect the socio-economic development of Ghana and Botswana.