African Democracy Project: Ghana

The African Democracy Project (ADP) at Wayne State University is helping students take part in a life-changing academic experience. For Fall 2012, ADP explored democracy in Ghana through HON 4260, African Democracy Project: Ghana .

The African Democracy Project is a multidisciplinary initiative that supports the teaching, study and understanding of democracy through a global lens. In preparation for the two-week study experience in Accra, December 2 through 14, 2012, ten Wayne State University students and two graduate mentors enrolled in an intensive course studying three critical elements of political communication during an election year:

With extensive support from the University of Ghana, Wayne State students completed a series of vigorous research exercises, documenting their personal journeys throughout the program via blogs and video. Students explored the contemporary international connections between Ghana and the United States. Probing Ghana’s rich history, culture and political landscape, the team of Wayne State scholars performed a significant portion of their research by interviewing Ghanaians of all walks of life about a variety of topics, including Ghanaians’ of view their nation in the broader international community.

Associate Professor Ronald Brown instructed the course with President Emeritus Irvin D. Reid. Professor Brown teaches classes in African-American Politics, Parties and Elections, Public Opinion and in American Politics. His current research is in the area of racial differences, and the influence of age and social learning on perceptions of African American political influence.

Videography: 

A short video on Ghana, by Premier Volunteers of Ghana

PHOTOS:
Dr. Reid interviews John Kufuor, former president of Ghana

ESOURCES:
BBC News profile for Ghana

Electoral Commission of Ghana

Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Washington D.C.

Government of Ghana - Official Portal

University of Ghana

US Department of State (Ghana)