Ghana's Democratic Journey: A Filmmaker's Perspective

In 2008, a Swiss-Ghanaian filmmaker, Jarreth Merz, returned to Ghana to document the presidential elections. What he witnessed was not just a political process, but a profound lesson in democracy and self-discovery. This is the story of Ghana's journey, mirrored in the filmmaker's own search for identity.

From Instability to Hope: A Childhood in Ghana

Growing up in Ghana during the 1970s, Merz experienced both the country's musical and artistic vibrancy and its descent into political instability. He recounts witnessing a military coup, a stark image of a former head of state being executed on live television. This event led to his family's relocation to Switzerland, a move that brought its own challenges of cultural adaptation.

The Struggle to Fit In

In Europe, Merz felt the pressure to assimilate, to shed his African identity in order to blend in. As an actor, he found himself typecast in stereotypical roles, portraying the "exotic African" or the "violent terrorist." This experience fueled a sense of shame and a desire to reconnect with his roots.

Returning to Ghana: A Quest for Identity

Driven by a need to understand his place in the world, Merz returned to Ghana after 28 years. His intention was to film the 2008 presidential elections, but he soon found himself on a deeper journey of self-discovery.

Witnessing Democracy in Action

Merz was struck by the transformation Ghana had undergone. What was once a dream of free and fair elections had become a reality. He observed the Ghanaian people's determination to participate in the democratic process, with voters lining up for hours to cast their ballots. One voter's words resonated deeply: his vote was in his heart, and no one could take it away.

The Fragility of Democracy

The elections were not without their challenges. The first round of voting failed to produce a clear winner, leading to a second round filled with tension and accusations of intimidation. Violence erupted in the streets, threatening to derail the democratic process. Merz felt a familiar sense of despair, fearing that Ghana would succumb to the same political instability that had plagued its past.

The People's Resolve: A Lesson in Democracy

Amidst the chaos, something remarkable happened. The people of Ghana, chanting "We want peace!," rose up to defend their democracy. Their collective will for a peaceful resolution drowned out the echoes of violence. This moment highlighted a crucial aspect of democracy: its foundation lies in the will of the people.

Ghana's Example: A Contrast to the West

Merz draws a comparison between Ghana's experience and the contested 2000 US presidential election. While the US election was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court, Ghana's people took it upon themselves to ensure a fair and democratic outcome. Even after a second round of voting failed to produce a clear winner, the electoral commission, with the consent of all parties, organized an unprecedented second rerun. The defeated candidate ultimately conceded, allowing Ghana to move forward in its democratic journey.

The African is Capable

This demonstrated that the African is capable of governing himself. The belief in true democracy and in the people runs deep.

A Lasting Impact

Ghana's democratic journey taught Merz a valuable lesson: democracy is not a gift to be taken for granted, but a process that requires constant vigilance and the active participation of its citizens. He learned to see both Ghana and himself in a new light, recognizing the strength and resilience of the African spirit.

• Free and Fair Elections: A cornerstone of democracy.
• The Will of the People: The ultimate authority in a democracy.
• Peaceful Resolution: The key to maintaining stability during political transitions.

Ghana's story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and a reminder that democracy, while fragile, can thrive when the people are determined to uphold it.