President John Dramani Mahama has said democracy must be measured not only by the conduct of elections but also by its ability to improve the living conditions of citizens.
Addressing the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Mahama said democratic governance risked losing its meaning if citizens did not experience tangible improvements in their daily lives.
“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 democratic governments had a responsibility to ensure that political freedoms were accompanied by meaningful opportunities for citizens to improve their livelihoods.
He linked the principle to Ghana’s development agenda, emphasising the importance of investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, social protection and economic opportunities.
According to the President, these investments are necessary to translate democratic governance into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
He said the strength of a democratic system ultimately depended on whether citizens could see a clear connection between the institutions and leaders they elect and improvements in their everyday lives.
The President’s remarks formed part of his address to world leaders at the UN General Assembly, where he highlighted the need for democratic governance to deliver social and economic benefits alongside political participation.
