To view statements made by the following eminent citizens on the International Day of Tolerance, click here

• Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe, Gen Secretary, Christian Council of Ghana
• Snr Lecturer, Kwasi Jonah, Political Science Dept, Univ of Ghana
• Mrs Angela Droamena Aboagye, Exec Director, the Ark Foundation
• Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Paramount Chief of Esikado Traditional Area

In 2012, Ghana will be organizing its sixth consecutive Presidential and Parliamentary elections since the return to democratic rule under the Fourth Republic. Despite Ghana’s record of conducting successful elections, multi-party elections apart from being a contest for political power, have in recent times often brought about intimidation and violence never before witnessed in the politics of the country. Electioneering campaign has become synonymous to violence, leaving in its wake a lot of unresolved electoral disputes. Events prior to, during and after the 2008 elections such as arson attacks in Gushiegu, violence in Akwatia, the killing of supporters of both the NPP and NDC in the Agbogbloshie disturbances during the 2009 transitions are some of the notable incidents. This situation has largely contributed to the increasing culture of intolerance and impunity among supporters of political parties.

On Wednesday, August 3, 2011, IDEG launched a research report titled “Ghana’s Traditional Authorities in Governance and Development”. The report is the maiden publication of a series of research activities under the Issues in Democratic Development Series being undertaken by the Institute.  The event was held on August 3, 2011 at the auditorium of the institute. The launch attracted participants from a broad range organisations and institutions such as the Ministries’ of Chieftaincy and Culture Ministry, Tourism, Justice and Attorney General’s Department; National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, Academia, Diplomatic Missions, Media, Civil society organisations, student bodies as well as the general public. Read Full Report