‎SYPALA: Ghanaian youth still believe in democracy – Dr. Osae-Kwapong

‎By: Godbless Asaana
‎Political scientist and governance expert Dr John Osae-Kwapong says Ghanaian youth are not losing faith in democracy but are demanding a system that delivers tangible solutions to their everyday challenges.
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‎He said growing dissatisfaction among young people with the performance of democracy should not be mistaken for a rejection of democratic governance.
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‎Speaking at SYPALA 2026, organised by the IMANI Center for Policy and Education, Dr Osae-Kwapong said young Africans continue to support democracy, even as their confidence in how it is being implemented declines.
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‎He described the gap between support for democracy and satisfaction with its performance as the “democracy test”, arguing that it reveals what young people truly expect from democratic governance.
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‎“I do not believe your generation is walking away from the idea of democracy,” he said.
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‎“Your generation is simply demanding that democracy works to address the pain points of being on a daily basis,” he added.
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‎According to Dr. Osae-Kwapong, young people are clear about their preference for democracy but are increasingly questioning whether the system can deliver the development and improved living conditions they need.
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‎“Essentially, your government and your community are not confused about whether they want democracy. They do want it,” he stated.
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‎“What they don’t have on either side of this comparison is confidence that with democracy we have this deliverance.”
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‎He said the situation should serve as a wake-up call to political leaders and democratic institutions to become more responsive to citizens, particularly young people.
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‎Dr Osae-Kwapong, who is a Democracy and Development Fellow at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), made the remarks during a session on “What Is the State of Democracy in Africa?” at SYPALA 2026.
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‎He made these remarks during the 12th Edition of the Students & Young Professionals African Liberty Academy (SYPALA 2026), which is currently taking place from August 24–27, 2026, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).