Accra, May 20, GNA-An international whitepaper examining the importance of a strong and responsible opposition for democratic resilience, peace, and development across Africa on Wednesday launched its abstract.
The research is led by the African Chamber of Content Producers (ACCP) and the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Ghana, in partnership with governance and peacebuilding institutions around the world.
The whitepaper, titled “A Strong and Responsible Opposition in Africa: A Ghanaian Case Study (2025/2026 Review),” focuses on the 2025/2026 period.
Researchers are reviewing public records of Ghana’s Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, alongside interviews with key opposition figures and ordinary Ghanaians across the country.
According to a press release issued by ACCP and UPF Ghana, the paper used Ghana as a case study because of its reputation as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.
The 2025 Global Peace Index ranks Ghana among the continent’s most peaceful nations, and the Africa Country Instability Risk Index places Ghana 10th out of 48 countries for political and economic stability, the highest in West Africa aside from Cape Verde, Liberia and Senegal.
Ghana’s parliament also ranks second in Africa for openness, according to the 2025 Africa Open Parliament Index.
The research is set against a continental backdrop of democratic strain.
Since 2020, Africa has witnessed a troubling resurgence of unconstitutional power changes.
The year 2025 alone saw successful military takeovers in Madagascar and Guinea Bissau, alongside a failed coup attempt in Benin.
While 18 of 54 African countries experienced declines in freedom in 2025, 11 recorded improvements, according to Freedom House.
As the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace notes, “Africa’s democratic landscape defies a single story of systemic backsliding or reform.”
The whitepaper combines a systematic review of parliamentary records, motions, and media appearances of Ghana’s Minority Leader during the 2025/2026 session with primary interviews conducted by ACCP researchers in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale.
The research subjects include the Minority Leader, through his public record, other opposition party figures, and ordinary Ghanaians whose perspectives on opposition effectiveness are captured through structured surveys and interviews.
Dr. Murphy T. Jackson, Head of the African Chamber of Content Producers, Liberia Branch, said: “In many political systems, the opposition is treated as an enemy of the state rather than a recognized branch of governance. African states should legally codify the role of the ‘Leader of the Opposition’ or ‘Shadow Cabinet,’ providing them with institutional resources, secure intelligence briefings, and formal avenues to offer alternative policies. This integrates them into the state apparatus, lowering the incentive to pursue unconstitutional means to achieve political change.”
Phil Efe Benard, Image Ambassador based in Nigeria, added: “Across Africa, we see diverse democratic trajectories, some improving, others under strain. By studying Ghana’s model, we can develop a framework for strengthening opposition parties as engines of development, not division. A responsible opposition is about peace, stability, and the future of our continent.”
Mr. David Adofo, Head of Research and Development of ACCP and Image Ambassador based in Ghana, noted: “Ghana’s opposition, as an institution, has been phenomenal and sets a strong standard for the rest of Africa.
While this paper focuses on Ghana, the study will go on to explore other opposition institutions across the continent. I am excited that we are starting here.”
Tegha King, Deputy Secretary General of UPF Ghana, speaking on behalf of the Universal Peace Federation and its parliamentary arm, the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), stated: “A responsible opposition is not an obstacle to progress; it is a partner in nation building.
Ghana’s 2025/2026 parliamentary record shows that presenting alternative policy ideas, engaging in respectful debate, and maintaining cross party dialogue strengthens institutions and reduces the risk of conflict. The IAPP is committed to advancing this message through our peacebuilding and interparty dialogue platforms.”
Research is currently ongoing. The full whitepaper will be submitted to a peer reviewed international journal for publication upon completion. The abstract is available today via ACCP and UPF Ghana.
The African Chamber of Content Producers projects positive narratives of Africa while advocating local content sovereignty.
The Universal Peace Federation Africa is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, advancing peace, interfaith dialogue, and democratic development.
Additional international partners will be announced as the whitepaper progresses.
“This paper examines how a strong and responsible opposition contributes to democratic resilience, peace, and development. Using Ghana as a case study and focusing on the 2025/2026 period, it argues that opposition effectiveness can be measured through parliamentary oversight, public communication, and constructive policy engagement.”
“Preliminary analysis indicates that Afenyo Markin’s approach characterised by firm but respectful scrutiny, alternative policy proposals, and appeals to national interest has contributed to maintaining parliamentary stability even amid political tensions.”
“By focusing on Ghana’s 2025/2026 experience, this paper provides evidence based guidance for strengthening opposition parties as partners in democratic development, neither overstating crisis nor ignoring real challenges.”
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba