The former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has warned that one of the biggest threats to democracy today is what he calls “the Next Meal.” Speaking in Nigeria on Monday, January 27, 2025, Bawumia addressed an audience about the crucial connection between democracy, good governance, and political integrity in Sub-Saharan Africa. He emphasized that the true value of democracy lies not only in the process of electing leaders but also in ensuring that citizens’ basic needs, particularly their survival, are met.
Bawumia began his speech by quoting the late Nelson Mandela, one of Africa’s greatest leaders, who famously said, “As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality exist in our world, none of us can truly rest.” The former Vice President highlighted the continuing relevance of Mandela’s words, stressing that true democracy must work towards ending these persistent societal ills.
His speech underscored the fact that, for democracy to be meaningful, it must deliver tangible benefits such as access to essential public goods and services, opportunities for economic advancement, and a fair society for all citizens. Dr Bawumia explained that democracy should not merely be about governance structures but about achieving concrete outcomes that improve people’s lives. For Bawumia, the best democracy is one that efficiently and effectively provides for citizens while ensuring no one is left behind.
He went on to highlight the dire situation in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the World Bank estimated that two-thirds of the global population living in extreme poverty resides. Such figures, he said, should motivate African leaders to act decisively, as failure to address poverty poses a threat not only to the economy but also to the very foundation of democracy. Further, Dr Bawumia referenced the 2024 World Bank report on Nigeria, revealing that more than half of the Nigerian population lives in multidimensional poverty.
He argued that such widespread poverty hinders political integrity, as people struggling to meet their most basic needs are less likely to engage with democratic processes or trust the political system. “When the priority is the next meal, democracy becomes a secondary concern,” he stated. His comments served as a call for African leaders to address the root causes of poverty in order to preserve democratic values and social stability.
In conclusion, Bawumia made a compelling argument for African democracies to concentrate on eradicating poverty and promoting equal opportunities. He emphasized that the best form of democracy is one that fulfills its promises to the people, allowing individuals to engage in democratic processes without the constant worry of survival. “Only when people are assured of their basic needs can they fully embrace the values of democracy,” he stated. He stressed that the future of African democracy relies on effective governance that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens.
By: Ernest K. Arhinful
