Bawumia highlights ‘The Next Meal’ as a major threat to Africa’s democracy, calls for tangible benefits and strong institutions
Former Vice President of Ghana and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has identified “The Next Meal” as one of the greatest threats to Africa’s democracy.
In his remarks, Dr. Bawumia argued that for democracy to be meaningful, it must deliver tangible benefits, including access to essential public services, economic opportunities, and a fair society for all citizens.
“When the priority is the next meal, democracy becomes a secondary concern,” he stated.
He emphasized that poverty undermines political engagement, as individuals struggling to meet basic needs are less likely to participate in democratic processes or trust political systems.
Dr. Bawumia also highlighted the damaging practice of prioritizing party loyalty and personal interests over competence in the appointment of heads of independent institutions across Africa. This, he explained, has weakened these institutions and hindered their ability to ensure accountability.
Speaking during a discussion on democracy, governance, and political integrity in Nigeria on January 27, 2025, Dr. Bawumia criticized technocrats who, motivated by narrow interests, subject these institutions to public ridicule. He further referenced the words of the late South African President Nelson Mandela, who said that as long as poverty, injustice, and inequality persist, no one can truly rest.
