The Differences Between Nigeria and Ghana - And What Nigeria Can Do About Them

by Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD

Burtonsville, MD, USA

Introduction

In the shadow of the recent and stupendously successful December 2007 presidential elections of our neighbor Ghana - and bearing in mind that as a result, today January 7, 2009, John Atta Mills of the NDC party takes over from John Kufuor of the NPP party as president -  we Nigerians are in a period of intense soul-searching about our identity.

Well, explaining, without excusing, the differences between Ghana and Nigeria, we must understand that:

- geographically, Ghana is one-fourth the size of Nigeria; - population-wise, Ghana is one-seventh the population of Nigeria;

- ethnically, Ghana is high-majority 45% Akan (with subunits Asante, Fante, etc.), with Mole-Dagbon 15.2%, Ewe 11.7%, Ga-Dangme 7.3%, Guan 4%, Gurma 3.6%, Grusi 2.6%, Mande-Busanga 1%, other tribes 1.4%, other 7.8% (2000 census; CIA information)

- religiously, Ghana is high-majority 68.8% Christian (Pentecostal/Charismatic 24.1%, Protestant 18.6%, Catholic 15.1%, other 11%), with Muslim 15.9%, traditional 8.5%, other 0.7%, none 6.1% (2000 census) - historically, its name evokes a once-glorious Ghana Empire (740s - 1250 AD) - even though that empire was nowhere even coterminous with modern-day Ghana -  just as another West African country -  Mali,  that had successful elections in April 2007 despite fighting poverty -  evokes also another once-glorious Mali Empire ( 1230 - 1600s AD)

- intellectually, the 1988 epic and fearless public lectures by the Ghanaian historical academic Prof. Albert Adu Boahen (1932 - 2006) on "The Culture of Silence" that had descended upon Ghana under the dictatorial rule of Flt Lt Jerry Rawlings, as well as his book on his perspectives on Ghana titled "The Ghanaian Sphinx: Reflections on the Contemporary History of Ghana, 1972-1987" [the Ghana-Academy of Arts and Sciences J.B. Danquah Memorial Lectures], may have given vibrant impetus for the restoration of multi-party democracy to the country.

- academically, virtually ALL the civilian presidents have been doctoral degree holders and university professors, except soldier-turned-civilian leader Jerry Rawlings

-militarily, the history of military (in)discipline under Generals Joseph Arthur Ankrah (1915-1992, military ruler from 1966-1969), Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa (1936-1979; military leader from 1969-70), Ignatius Kutu Acheampong (1931-1979, military ruler from 1972-1978), Frederic William Akuffo (1937-1979, military ruler from 1978-1979) and ending in Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings (1947-to-date, military ruler from June-September 1979, then again 1981 - 1993; civilian ruler from 1993 - 2001) clearing the augean stable (as it were) in 1979 by executing (or causing to be executed) Generals Acheamphong, Afrifa, and Fred Akuffo as well as Joy Amedume, Yaw Boakye, Roger Felli, Kotei, Utuka and Major Sam Acquah.  Supreme Court Justices Kwadjo Agyei Agyepong, Frederick Sarkodie, and Cecilia Koranteng Addo were also not spared.

- diversity-wise, all the presidents, civilian and military, have over all of the years come from seven of the ten administrative regions (except Northern, Volta and Upper East regions);

- politically, Ghana has a two-tier modern-traditional CONSTITUTIONAL arrangement: parallel to the central-region-district federal modern arrangement (similar to Nigeria's central-state-local government arrangement), there is still the traditional and constitutional national house of chiefs-regional house of chiefs - traditional councils arrangement that recognizes the traditional matrilineal-patrilineal- chieftaincy traditions of Ghana. That parallel arrangement MAY ( a big qualified MAY) be giving Ghana a stability that Nigeria does not currently have. - divinely, God has now blessed Ghana with crude oil (to start being tapped in 2010), which He, in his massive mercy and infinite grace, had given to Nigeria rather prematurely since 1959, and which gift has since been ungraciously and ungratefully twisted into a curse by her leaders.

And How Might Nigeria Become Like Ghana?

How might we Ghanaianize Nigeria? This is the million-dollar question. However from the above observations, we might APPROXIMATE Ghana's conditions as follows:

- we might need to divide Nigeria up up into 4, 8 or 12 more or less autonomous regions, each with about the same geographical area and/or population as Ghana, each with far greater ethnic and religious cohesion, and somehow introduce a traditional admnistrative system that parallels a modern presidential (or I would prefer parliamentary) system. 

- we might need to change our name to Songhai,

- organize a hard-hitting Prof. Wole Soyinka national speaking tour.

Other than those, there is nothing we can do with our non-ideological beginnings, or the fact that crude oil was discovered BEFORE our independence, (not AFTER it like in Ghana), or our indisciplined military history, although some would (unwisely) wish a military come-back, bloody or not. We just have to bear those as variables that will for ever make Nigeria distinct from Ghana.

On top of all of that, we should all pray for greater divine intervention in our political and individual lives.

There you have it.

______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______

The Ghanaian Leadership  Roll Call

Source (Wikipedia)

• Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah (21 September 1909 - 27 April 1972; prime minister from March 6, 1957 – 1 July 1960; president of Ghana from 1 July 1960 – 24 February 1966); from Nkroful, Western Region; Nzima ethnic group.
• General Joseph Arthur Ankrah (18 August 1915 - 25 November 1992, military ruler from 24 February, 1966 – 2 April, 1969); of the Ga ethnic group, around Accra capital
• General Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa (24 April, 1936 - 26 June, 1979 ; military leader from 2 April, 1969 – 3 April, 1970 ); from Mampong, Ashanti Region;
• Dr. Kofi Abresia Busia (11 July 1913 - 28 August 1978, civilian prime minister from October 1, 1969 – January 13, 1972); from Wenchi, Brong Ahafo Region.
• General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong (23 September 1931 – 16 June 1979, military ruler from 13 January 1972 – 5 July 1978); from Kumasi, Ashanti Region.
• General Frederic William Akuffo (21 March 1937 – 26 June 1979, military ruler from 5 July, 1978 – 4 June, 1979 ); from Akropong, Eastern Region
• Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings (22 June 1947 to date, military ruler from June 4 -September 24 1979); born in Accra; mother is Ewe, father Scottish.
• Dr. Hilla Liman (12 December 1934 – 23 January 1998, civilian president from 24 September 1979 – 31 December 1981); from Gwollu, Upper West Region
• Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings (22 June 1947 to date, military ruler from 31 December 1981 – 7 January 1993); father Scottish.
• Jerry Rawlings (22 June 1947 to date, civilian president from 7 January 1993 – 7 January 2001 ); mother Ewe, father Scottish.
• Dr. John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor (8 December 1938  to date, civilian president from 7 January 2001 – 7 January 2009 ); from Kumasi, Ashanti Region
• Prof. John Atta Mills (1944-to-date, civilian president from January 7, 2009 to ?); born Tarkwa, Western Region; hails from Ekumfi Otuam in the Mfantsiman East Constituency of the Central region

Robot  # 1 | 07.01.2009 01:36

The Differences Between Nigeria and Ghana - And What Nigeria Can Do About Them by Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD Burtonsville, MD, USA Introduction In the shadow of the recent andstupendously successful December 2007 presidential elections of our neighbor Ghana - and bearing in mind that as a result,today January 7, 2009, John Atta Mills of the NDCpartytakes over from John Kufuor of the NPP party as president - we Nigerians are in a period of intense soul-searching about our identity. Well, explaining, without excusing, the differencesbetween Ghana and Nigeria, we must understand that: - geographically, Ghana is one-fourth the size of Nigeria; - population-wise, Ghana is one-seventh the population of Nigeria; - ethnically, Ghana is high-majority 45% Akan (with subunits Asante, Fante, etc.),...Read the full article.

Obugbe  # 2 | 07.01.2009 02:36

Bolaji: Your piece is a brilliant summary of the political growth of Ghana with its attendant success at democracy. What struck me was that almost all civilian presidents were doctors. Wow, probably explains the level of disciplined political culture witnessed during campaigns and at elections. Indeed, Ghana has a good foundation and is now the true Black Star, blazing the trail for the rest of black Africa. Nigeria cannot learn anything from Ghana, as long as we refuse to challenge the constitution foisted on us by the dullard military institution in Nigeria. The silent and corrupt zoning system of presidency must be done away with and above all, the people must be alive to their civic consciousness and must be ready to act to nip in the bud any attempt to render their votes and voices inconsequential. Again, my brother, yours is a good analysis. And using your own words " shaking and scratching my head' as I listen to the shameless fraudsters in Abuja commend Ghana.

Shoko Loko Bangoshe  # 3 | 07.01.2009 03:17

Welcome back, Dr. Aluko. As someone who has a lot of time for your articles, I'm afraid I have to say that this is not one of your best. Most of it is a recital of facts in the public domain - and the bit that I was interested in (how Nigeria might become like Ghana) is somewhat lacking: - we might need to divide Nigeria up up into 4, 8 or 12 more or less autonomous regions, each with about the same geographical area and/or population as Ghana, each with far greater ethnic and religious cohesion, and somehow introduce a traditional admnistrative system that parallels a modern presidential (or I would prefer parliamentary) system. The bigger question is HOW??? Nations do not subdivide and coalesce spontaneously, especially if there are powerful people benefitting from the status quo. - we might need to change our name to Songhai, I can't see how this would make any difference - you know that Gold Coast > Ghana made no difference in the first couple of decades of Ghana's independence. - organize a hard-hitting Prof. Wole Soyinka national speaking tour. ????? Other than those, there is nothing we can do with our non-ideological beginnings, or the fact that crude oil was discovered BEFORE our independence, (not AFTER it like in Ghana), or our indisciplined military history, although some would (unwisely) wish a military come-back, bloody or not. We just have to bear those as variables that will for ever make Nigeria distinct from Ghana. I think this is probably the koko of the matter.

allaccess  # 4 | 07.01.2009 08:58

=Shoko Loko Bangoshe;309679>Welcome back, Dr. Aluko. The bigger question is HOW??? Nations do not subdivide and coalesce spontaneously, especially if there are powerful people benefitting from the status quo. Shoko Loko Bangoshe, My question to you is, how do you intend to change the situation when people in the know like you have such fear for "powerful people" who are the problem? People like us (you included) with access to education, cyberspace and an understanding of the issue must stick together and have a positive proactive voice, so that we might be able to educate the Nigerian masses on what needs doing. First we must educate ourselves and speak with one voice. And oh, the prof is right, Nigeria is going nowhere in its current boundary arrangement. It must be changed from its current colonial make-up.

charles4u  # 5 | 07.01.2009 09:19

=allaccess;309766>Shoko Loko Bangoshe, My question to you is, how do you intend to change the situation when people in the know like you have such fear for "powerful people" who are the problem? People like us (you included) with access to education, cyberspace and an understanding of the issue must stick together and have a positive proactive voice, so that we might be able to educate the Nigerian masses on what needs doing. First we must educate ourselves and speak with one voice. And oh, the prof is right, Nigeria is going nowhere in its current boundary arrangement. It must be changed from its current colonial make-up. No matter what anybody says or thinks ..You have made a very good point in a simple sentence. Nothing more to add, Those that understand and knows about this things should find a way of coming together as group with one voice and one determination (getting Nigeria better from the hands of the foolish politicians) and also edcuating and winning more majority of Nigerians. Simple. It must first be changed from the system and people in control (this is what the majority of Nigerians needs to voice out), then things will start to change by a form of reformations and system of transpiracy governance which will be demanded and protested by Nigerians (majorities). But if it still remains on the hands of this same people with this same system...then am afraid we have a long long way to go.

akuluouno  # 6 | 07.01.2009 09:23

Hmm Prof, I think the differences are deeper than you have just highlighted. Ghanaians set out from independence to build a nation while Nigeria kept playing to the gallery. We also missed the Rawlings massacre of expired former leaders, a feat that the abortive April 22 putsch probabaly wanted to achieve. Finally the speedy manner that the Mills oppnent quickly conceded victory in spite of pressures by his party to go to court, is one of those issues that I have decided, for want of a better word, to call the Victorian sentiment of noblesse oblige.::rose: especailly at critical times in our national lives aware of Nigeria's preeminient role among the African global community. I have always been attacked anytime I use this word in the village, but on a closer examination, it would be found that that that, indeed is critically lacking among our poilitical class in particular and all persons in authority in Nigeria in general. Atta Mills and his opponent showed this sentiment at a time it really matttered to the glory of Ghana and acclaim of the international community and this is the real difference between Ghana and Nigeria.

tonsoyo  # 7 | 07.01.2009 09:27

Good job Prof. Great analysis. You said it all when you talked about restructuring Nigeria into about 4, 8 or 12 autunomous regions. I am also with you on the Parliamentary system, the present Presidential system is unnecessarily too large and wasteful. I also belong to the group wishing a military come back in form of divine intervention in order for us to realize the change that we desire. It is never going to happen with our present composition and the visible line of succession created and being perpetuated by this band of robbers. Tonsoyo.

afaukwu  # 8 | 07.01.2009 10:03

Well said, Mr. Aluko. Indeed, to attain near-flawless democracy like Ghana, Nigeria needs to be divided into at least ten, based on ethnic and religious affiliations, so that each division can try to be like Ghana :lol:. What is that our self-assuming appealation again? Giant clay of Africa..........

Shoko Loko Bangoshe  # 9 | 07.01.2009 10:17

=allaccess;309766>Shoko Loko Bangoshe, My question to you is, how do you intend to change the situation when people in the know like you have such fear for "powerful people" who are the problem? And where did I say in my response that I had "such fear for 'powerful people' who are the problem"? Read my response again carefully. I am asking the prof HOW he expects boundaries to change. I am NOT saying that boundary change is good or bad. People like us (you included) with access to education, cyberspace and an understanding of the issue must stick together and have a positive proactive voice, so that we might be able to educate the Nigerian masses on what needs doing. First we must educate ourselves and speak with one voice. Actually, it is unrealistic to expect people to speak with one voice. I don't believe there is One Single Way to change the status quo; people should form themselves into different groups and each group should try whatever they think will work. If they wish, they can work with other groups - but they shouldn't wait for everyone to be in agreement with them before they get to work. And oh, the prof is right, Nigeria is going nowhere in its current boundary arrangement. It must be changed from its current colonial make-up. That's another debate for another day.

Bolaji Aluko  # 10 | 07.01.2009 10:23

Shoko Loko Bangoshe and others: Thanks for your comments so far. Please see same essay on my website, with its update, http://www.nigerianmuse.com/essays/mid-week-musings-the-differences-between-nigeria-and-ghana-and-what-nigeria-can-do-about which reads, inter alia: QUOTE And How Might Nigeria Become Like Ghana? How might we Ghanaianize Nigeria? This is the million-dollar question. However from the above observations, we might APPROXIMATE Ghana's conditions as follows: - we will need (via a sovereign national conference to be followed by a referendum-approved popular national Constitution) to agree to sub-divide Nigeria up up into 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 more or less autonomous regions, each with about the same or less geographical area and/or population as Ghana, each with far greater ethnic and religious cohesion, each with its own regional constitution, and also constitutionally introduce a traditional admnistrative system that parallels a modern presidential system. I would prefer the less costly and more accountable parliamentary system. - we might need to change our name to Songhai, to complement Ghana and Mali. - constitutionally insist on minimum high academic qualifications for our chief executives; granted that this might be a necessary but not sufficient requirement. - organize a hard-hitting national speaking tour by (for example) Prof. Wole Soyinka, a la Prof. Adu Boahen, to fully sensitize the nation about democratic instincts. Other than those, there is nothing we can do with our non-ideological beginnings, or the fact that crude oil was discovered BEFORE our independence, (not AFTER it like in Ghana), or our indisciplined military history, although some would (unwisely) wish a military come-back, bloody (a la Rawlings 1979) or not. We just have to bear those as variables that will for ever make Nigeria distinct from Ghana. On top of all of that, we should all pray for greater divine intervention in our political and individual lives. There you have it. UNQUOTE Best wishes. Bolaji Aluko

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