A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana, Dr Rosina Foli, has highlighted the need for stronger dispute resolution structures and enhanced civic education as vital tools for safeguarding peaceful political transitions in Ghana. She made the remarks during the 2025 Founder’s Week public symposium of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS), held in Accra from November 11 to 14, 2025.
Taking the stage on Day Three, Dr Foli addressed the topic “Pathways to Peaceful Political Transitions: Deepening Trust, Practice and Bipartisanship.” Her presentation emphasised that Ghana’s democratic stability rests on clear legal frameworks and the consistent enforcement of laws across the civic and political landscape. These foundational structures, she explained, are indispensable for managing the transition periods that accompany election cycles.
According to her, “legal reforms and coherent dispute resolution arrangements must be firmly embedded in the country’s democratic framework to build trust and maintain peace among all stakeholders. These are the fundamentals of successful political transitions in our Fourth Republic, which should be anchored on inclusive governance rather than the widely criticised winner takes all approach.”
Dr Foli also pointed out that tense electoral seasons demand heightened institutional vigilance. She urged state agencies to adopt strong monitoring and evaluation mechanisms capable of identifying early warning signals and high-risk areas that could threaten national stability.
She added that beyond civic engagement and bipartisan cooperation, state institutions must employ proactive monitoring systems that guide timely policy and logistical responses to avert disruptions during election periods.
Chairing the session, Professor Alfred Oteng Yeboah (FGA) Vice President of the Sciences Section of GAAS, praised Ghana’s democratic resilience under the Fourth Republican Constitution. He underscored the need for continuous dialogue and the strengthening of independent institutions to advance national development.
Reflecting on the presentation, he stated that “Dr Foli’s insightful analysis reinforces a simple truth: democracy remains the cornerstone of national progress and the aspirations of our people. The continent may be turbulent, but Ghana’s steady commitment to democratic values shows that we are on the right path.”
The event brought together Fellows of the Academy, members of the public, journalists, and students from Accra Academy and Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School, Legon.
The 2025 Founder’s Week symposium provided a platform for healthy dialogue on navigating political transition in Ghana. Through contributions from esteemed scholars, practitioners, and the wider public, GAAS reaffirmed its commitment to fostering informed discourse, advancing good governance, and nurturing a culture of trust and accountability that underpins Ghana’s democratic journey.
