Democratization and Legitimization of Xenophobia in Ghana

Abstract

Xenophobia has become a consistent feature of contemporary sub-Saharan Africa. In recent times, countries that are often described as an oasis of peace and tranquillity and the epitome of democratic virtues like Ghana have been cited by intellectuals in the discourse on xenophobia. This chapter argues that xenophobic attitudes in Ghana are not only driven by politico-economic factors but have also been institutionalized and legitimized by politicians seeking self-aggrandisement through political empowerment. Versed in the ‘do or die’ modus operandi for winning political power, these elites have given impetus to widespread xenophobic political attitudes, either eliminating opponents, and/or resorting to ‘divide and rule’ tactics which may involve brutal killing of citizens, expelling foreigners and/or causing ‘fear and panic’ in society. Using data gathered by means of unstructured interviews and by historicising xenophobia in the country, this chapter explores the implications of the resurgence of xenophobia in Ghana’s democratic project. The findings reveal that, xenophobia, orchestrated by political sycophancies, is often driven by politico-economic factors to score political gains. This gives rise to violent reciprocal political antagonism, which is a threat to peace, democratic consolidation and the socio-economic development of the country. The chapter concludes by reiterating the need to replace personal political aggrandizement and patronage politics with active civic political participation. It recommends a pragmatic national agenda to combat the spate of xenophobia in Ghana.