Simone Giger
The Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, Simone Giger, has stated inclusion and consensus-building as critical elements of democracy.
Ambassador Giger said these elements reinforces citizens believe that they have a say and are active participants in their nation’s governance.
She made this suggestion during the celebration of the Swiss National Day, held at the Swiss Residence in Accra.
Addressing an audience including the Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, government officials, traditional leaders, civil society representatives and members of the diplomatic community, Ambassador Giger emphasised the importance of inclusivity in politics and the benefits it has brought to her country.
Ambassador Giger asserted that an inclusive and participatory approach is a remedy for the growing disenchantment with democracy around the world, including Africa.
“There is widespread doubt about whether democracy can truly deliver and bring citizens closer to the goal of shared prosperity,” she noted, referencing the latest Afrobarometer report.
Drawing examples from the Swiss experience, the Swiss envoy noted that despite the slow decision-making process that characterises consensus seeking, decisions made are longstanding “because everybody feels they have a stake in the process and its outcome”.
“A good start for rebuilding faith in democracy is by introducing bridge-building and consensus-oriented approaches that take into account the needs and aspirations of all social groups,” Ambassador Giger added.
She further argued that such an approach is not alien to Ghanaian values and expectations, as reflected in the Akan adage “ti korɔ ŋkɔ agyina,” which emphasises the value of collaboration and working together to achieve common objectives.
Cordial Relationship
Ambassador Giger highlighted the longstanding cordial relationship between Switzerland and Ghana, signified by two special events in the past year: the visit to Ghana by former Swiss President and Federal Councilor for Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis — in his first to the Gulf of Guinea — in November 2023, and Ghana’s active participation in the Swiss-organized Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held in Switzerland in June 2024.
Furthermore, she drew attention to the fact that Switzerland became Ghana’s No. 1 export partner last year, with exports from Ghana to Switzerland amounting to $3 billion in 2023.
Ghana also retained its position as Switzerland’s second-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, topped only by South Africa.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri