Dynamics and trends in social trust in Ghana

Abstract

The problem of lack of social trust (or interpersonal trust) in Africa remains a concern. This article describes and analyses why Ghana faces a challenge of low social trust in spite of the progress made in both political and economic development, especially in the past two decades. Building on the existing body of knowledge, which often points to either economic or non-economic factors as major determinants of social trust, the article argues that the problem of low levels of social trust is anchored to a hybrid of both economic and non-economic factors. The failure of the government to reduce socio-economic inequalities and unemployment along with lack of strong institutions to enforce contracts explains the deficit in social trust in Ghana. The article brings to the fore the importance of structural and historical factors, notably the legacies of the slave trade and colonial rule, and social exclusion as critical to understanding the problem of low social trust. It concludes by highlighting how Ghana could develop social trust among its citizens.