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Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has issued a stark warning that poverty, particularly the struggle for basic survival, poses one of the greatest threats to democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Speaking in Nigeria on January 27, 2025, during a conference on democracy and governance, Bawumia pointed out that the true essence of democracy goes beyond electing leaders—it lies in ensuring that citizens’ fundamental needs are met, especially in countries where poverty is widespread.
In his address, Bawumia began by quoting the words of the late Nelson Mandela: “As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality exist in our world, none of us can truly rest.”
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This powerful statement resonated throughout his speech, as Bawumia emphasised that Mandela’s vision remains crucial in understanding the relationship between democracy and poverty.
Bawumia explained that for democracy to be meaningful, it must deliver tangible benefits to the citizens, such as access to essential public goods and services, economic opportunities, and a society where fairness prevails.
He underscored that the true value of democracy is not only in the process of electing leaders but also in how it improves the everyday lives of people.
“Democracy should not merely be about governance structures. It should focus on achieving concrete outcomes—lifting people out of poverty, providing access to healthcare and education, creating jobs, and ensuring a fair society for all,” he stated.
He further noted that a democracy that does not cater to these needs risks failing its citizens, as they become disillusioned with a system that offers little improvement to their lives.
Bawumia highlighted the stark reality of extreme poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the World Bank reports that two-thirds of the global population living in extreme poverty reside. With such a high proportion of people struggling to meet their basic needs, Bawumia argued that African leaders must take decisive action. He stressed that if poverty continues to be unchecked, it not only threatens economic development but also the very foundations of democracy.
“Failure to address poverty is a failure to protect democracy. People who are struggling to meet their most basic needs are less likely to trust the political system, engage with democratic processes, or believe in the promises of their leaders,” he warned.
Dr. Bawumia also referenced a recent 2024 World Bank report on Nigeria, which revealed that over half of Nigeria’s population lives in multidimensional poverty. He noted that such widespread poverty hinders political integrity, as it reduces the willingness of citizens to actively participate in the democratic process. “When survival is the primary concern, democracy becomes a secondary concern,” Bawumia said, emphasising the direct link between poverty and political apathy.
His speech was a call for African leaders to focus on poverty eradication and to ensure that their governance structures create an environment where citizens do not have to choose between survival and democracy. Bawumia argued that the best form of democracy is one that delivers on its promises, a democracy where people do not have to worry about their next meal before participating in civic duties.
In his conclusion, Bawumia appealed to African leaders to take concrete steps towards eradicating poverty, stressing that only when people are assured of their basic needs can they fully embrace the values of democracy. “Democracy thrives when people are empowered with the basic resources needed to survive and prosper,” he stated. “The future of African democracy depends on the ability of leaders to govern effectively while prioritising the welfare of their citizens.”
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