Ghana - Profile
Ghana is a multicultural society with multiple ethnic groups. It consists of Christians (80%), Muslims (18%) and other religious including Traditional African Religious beliefs. Ghana has a strong democratic and stable political culture with relatively stronger institutions of governance.
The country gained independence from Britain in 1957. After more than a decade of coups and counter-coups from 1966, Ghana transitioned to a democracy in 1992. The country has since witnessed 8 peaceful elections consecutively with power alternating between the two major political parties – the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Security, Peace and Governance
It is the most peaceful and stable country in West Africa, and ranks second in Africa in the Global Peace Index for 2020.
Whilst it remains relatively stable, the widespread and growing incidents of chieftaincy and ethnic conflicts, intra-religious tensions, vigilante violence and land disputes coupled with high youth unemployment creates a vulnerable environment for radicalization and extremist recruitment. There is also a growing concern amoung security analysts and stakeholders that jihadist violence in the Sahel which is north of Ghana could creep into the country through its insecure northern borders.
