Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said multi-party democracy remains the best form of governance for Africa.

Speaking at the launch of a former Nigerian leader, General Ibrahim Babangida's autobiography in Abuja, Nigeria last Thursday (February 20, 2024), former President Akufo-Addo said despite the challenges faced by many governments on the continent in transforming their economies their citizens have overwhelmingly embraced democracy.

He stressed the importance of democratic governance in Africa and cited Ghana's successful transition of power to buttress his point, saying Ghana had witnessed four peaceful transfers of power from one party to another through the ballot box, which demonstrated the country's commitment to democratic values and culture.

He expressed satisfaction that the Ghanaians had embraced democratic principles, as evident in the peaceful transfer of power on January 7, 2025.

The former President acknowledged the unique challenges facing African democracies, including economic transformation and maintaining universal adult suffrage.

He stressed the need for African leaders to find solutions to these challenges to ensure democracy thrived.

Military intervention

Former President Akufo-Addo also commended General Babangida for his support for democracy despite his complicated past.

He expressed disappointment over the resurgence of military coups in West Africa, calling them a misguided solution to the region's instability and economic challenges.

“I feel a deep sense of disappointment that military coup d’etats have come back in fashion in our region, and are seen as the answer to the instability spreading from the Sahel by jihadist activity, and by some as the answer to difficult economic conditions, or unpopular government policies,” former President Akufo-Addo said.

“It would appear that we have our work cut out for us all over again to try to build and consolidate the democratic structures in our countries to gain the confidence of our populations, especially to show that the road to prosperity would be faster and longer lasting when we are democratic,” he stated.

The book

The 420-page book, titled “A Journey in Service” is not only about the remarkable journey of former Nigerian President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, from his childhood to the highest levels in public service but also offers a unique perspective on Nigeria's complex history and the challenges of transitioning from military to democratic rule.

The book launch had in attendance all past presidents/military heads of state of Nigeria, and the current President, Bola Tinubu.