Ghana’s Politicians must learn from regional coups – Security Analyst
Dr. Emmanuel Sowatey, a security analyst, has urged political elites in Ghana to pay attention to the lessons from recent coups in West Africa, stressing the importance of maintaining a strong connection between leaders and ordinary citizens.
His comments come after reports that members of the Benin Armed Forces attempted to overthrow President Patrice Talon on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
According to the French Embassy in Benin, gunfire erupted near the president’s residence in Cotonou as soldiers announced the suspension of the constitution and the closure of the country’s land borders and airspace.
In response, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) activated and deployed its Standby Force to Benin to help preserve constitutional order. Nigeria also sent air force and other military forces to assist Benin in foiling the coup attempt.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, December 8, 2025, Dr. Sowatey referenced former President John Mahama’s comments on regional coups:
“President Mahama, one time, while addressing a group of people about some two months ago, said that the coups around West Africa should be a lesson to politicians. Because during his inauguration, when Captain Ibrahim Traore [came] and you listened to the way the crowd hailed him. I think there is a lesson Ghana can learn from this. President Mahama has seen it himself, and I think he is very much aware.”
He cautioned that political elites, regardless of party affiliation, must recognise that their security is tied to the welfare of ordinary citizens:
“The elite doesn’t matter whether it is NPP or NDC, the political elite should understand that their security and safety are very much tied to the ordinary people. There is one thing saying it with your lips, and there is another believing it with your heart.”
Dr. Sowatey also criticised over-reliance on state resources for personal protection, arguing it can create resentment among citizens:
“I am one person who spoke against the police protecting the MP, and there are reasons for that. You always have some minimum level of extent for that. When there is a disconnect, it brings a problem. When the political elite think that they can have certain state resources to protect them, and that can shield them from the ordinary people, it begins to create some level of bitterness.
“They express this through the ballot box, and it should be the earliest sign that shows you that people are angry.”