Civil Society Organization and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria and Ghana, 2003 – 2013

Abstract

Hence, this study deduced that civil society organizations in both states perform similar functions and share the same problems.

The study posited that the differences in the nature and character of both states are the underlying factor that account for the marked differences in democratic consolidation in both states.

The study noted that CSOs do contribute to democratic consolidation in both states but are facing problems associated with post-colonial states,

and that the nature and character of both states influence the roles of CSOs in the process of democratic consolidation and this is what account for the differences in democratic consolidation in both countries.

Table Of Contents

Title Page   i

Approval Page  ii

Dedication   iii

Acknowledgements   iv

Table of contents v

List of Tables   vi

List of Figures vii

Abbreviations  viii

Abstract      ix

CHAPTER ONE: Introduction

• Background of the Study
• Statement of the Problem
• Objectives of the Study
• Significance of the Study

CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review

2.1.     Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE: Methodology

• Theoretical Framework
• Hypotheses
• Research Design
• Method of Data Collection
• Method of Data Analysis
• Logical Data Framework

CHAPTER FOUR: THE EXISTENCE OF CSOs CONTRIBUTED TO DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN NIGERIA AND GHANA

• The Existence and Activities of Pro-democratic CSOs and Electoral
• The Presence and Activities of labour based CSOs and Good
• The Existence and Actions of Policy Based CSOs and Their Impact on Public Policies 
• The Presence of Human Right Based Institutions andFundamental Human Rights

CHAPTER FIVE: THE CHARACTER OF THE NIGERIAN AND GHANAIAN STATES, CSOs AND DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION

• Predatory/Parasitic Ruling Class and Patriotic and Nationalistic Ruling Class and Electoral Process

• High/low level of Prebendel, Patrimonial and Cliental politics and Good Governance
• High/low premium place on ethno-religious factors in politics and high/low rate of ethno-religious/political conflict.

CHAPTER SIX: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• Summary
• Conclusions
• Recommendations

Bibliography

Appendixes

Introduction

Background Of Study

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) among several forces played an instrumental role in the restoration of democracy in developing countries,

and such pivotal roles ushered in the third wave of democratization in Africa especially in Nigeria and Ghana (Huntington, 1993; Diamond, 1999; Gyimah-Boadi, 1996; Aidoo, 2006; Imade, 2007; Ojo, 2011; Majeed, 2011; Odeh , 2012).

Before the return to democracy in Nigeria and Ghana, the governments in both states especially during the military regimes, hitherto were unaccountable and despotic,

and became even more authoritarian as they embarked on unpopular and belt-tightening policies like Austerity Measures, Structural Adjustment Programmes, among others.

Also, during this period, the governments were marred by executive lawlessness, human rights abuse and reckless political decisions making. This activated the civil society, determined to check-mate the erosion of rights, freedom and civic values.

The conjecture was characterized by intense restlessness among citizens and civic groups, which demanded for democracy, participation and justice (Odeh, 2012).

As a result of their above roles, CSOs are considered very central to the current wave of democratization in Africa, in terms of its restoration; were democracy has been absent or was scuttled and consolidation; were their exist democratic institutions but requires to be strengthened.

Bibliography

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Babbie, E. (1990). The Practice of Social Research. Wadsworth: Thomson Learning Inc.

Biereenu-Nnabugwu, M. (2006). Methodology of Political Inquiry: Issues and Techniques of Research Methods in Political Science. Enugu: Quintagon Publishers.

Boafo-Arthur, K. & Plattner, M. (1999). Democra
tization in Africa. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.

Bratton, M & Van der Walle, N. (1997). Democratic Experiments in Africa. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Chabal, P. & Daloz, P. (1999). Africa Works: Disorder as Political Instrument. London: James Currey.

StudentsandScholarship Team