Ghana: Struggles for rights in a democratising context.

Abstract

This chapter examines the prospects and challenges for securing human rights through civic action in Ghana. It considers how Ghana’s transition to multiparty democracy and the growing protection of civil and political rights have shaped opportunities for citizens and civil society organisations to pursue broader social and economic rights. The analysis explores whether democratic consolidation has created an environment in which disadvantaged groups can more effectively organise, make rights-based claims and challenge existing inequalities. Particular attention is given to the relationships between civic organisations, state institutions and other centres of political and social power. The chapter shows that Ghana’s democratic environment provides important opportunities for rights-based activism, but that formal democratic institutions alone do not remove the structural and political barriers faced by groups seeking social and economic change. It therefore highlights the continuing importance of civic action, organisation and struggles over power in determining whether formally recognised rights translate into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.