Speaking on JoyNews’ “2025 in Review” programme, Braimah reflected on the political and economic climate that characterised the pre-election period, noting that governance challenges had escalated beyond routine policy disagreements into a broader national crisis.
“In terms of governance, we had, to be frank, reached a point where the country was on the brink,” he said, emphasising that the warning signs were evident to both citizens and observers of Ghana’s democracy.
According to Braimah, the situation was fuelled largely by sustained economic hardship, which placed immense pressure on households and eroded public confidence in state institutions.
He singled out the sharp depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi as a defining moment that exposed the depth of the country’s vulnerability.
The MFWA boss recalled that the economic turmoil became so severe that it prompted an extraordinary public appeal from the presidency.
The MFWA boss recalled that the economic turmoil became so severe that it prompted an extraordinary public appeal from the presidency.
“At a point when the cedi was performing so badly, the president himself had to make a public call to the military not to contemplate any form of intervention,” he revealed.
Braimah explained that such a statement, coming from the highest office of the land, was a clear indicator of how tense the national atmosphere had become.
Braimah explained that such a statement, coming from the highest office of the land, was a clear indicator of how tense the national atmosphere had become.
In his view, it reflected widespread anxiety about the potential consequences of prolonged economic distress and political mistrust.
He further noted that public discourse during that period was marked by heightened emotions, polarisation, and growing frustration, particularly among young people and economically vulnerable groups.
He further noted that public discourse during that period was marked by heightened emotions, polarisation, and growing frustration, particularly among young people and economically vulnerable groups.
According to him, these conditions created fertile ground for unrest, making the role of democratic institutions even more critical.
Against this backdrop, Braimah argued that the successful conduct of the 2024 general elections played a vital role in calming nerves and preventing a further slide into instability.
Against this backdrop, Braimah argued that the successful conduct of the 2024 general elections played a vital role in calming nerves and preventing a further slide into instability.
While acknowledging that elections alone cannot solve deep-rooted governance challenges, he said the polls helped to stabilise the political environment.
“In the interest of stability and the continuity of our Fourth Republic, what happened through the 2024 elections perhaps helped to restore a level of calm and balance in the country,” he stated.
He stressed that the peaceful outcome of the elections sent a strong signal about Ghana’s democratic maturity, both domestically and internationally.
“In the interest of stability and the continuity of our Fourth Republic, what happened through the 2024 elections perhaps helped to restore a level of calm and balance in the country,” he stated.
He stressed that the peaceful outcome of the elections sent a strong signal about Ghana’s democratic maturity, both domestically and internationally.
According to him, the process demonstrated that, despite serious challenges, constitutional mechanisms remain the most credible pathway for resolving national tensions.
Braimah, however, cautioned against complacency, warning that the lessons from the pre-2024 period must not be ignored.
Braimah, however, cautioned against complacency, warning that the lessons from the pre-2024 period must not be ignored.
He urged political leaders, civil society organisations, and the media to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing governance failures before they escalate into crises.
He also highlighted the role of the media in safeguarding democracy, noting that responsible journalism and fact-based reporting are essential during periods of national strain.
He also highlighted the role of the media in safeguarding democracy, noting that responsible journalism and fact-based reporting are essential during periods of national strain.
“When tensions are high, misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric can easily tip the balance,” he said, adding that media organisations must act as stabilising forces rather than amplifiers of division.
Looking ahead, the MFWA executive director called for renewed commitment to economic reform, transparency, and inclusive governance.
Looking ahead, the MFWA executive director called for renewed commitment to economic reform, transparency, and inclusive governance.
He argued that sustained public trust can only be rebuilt through tangible improvements in living conditions and stronger accountability from public officials.
According to Braimah, Ghana’s experience ahead of the 2024 elections serves as a reminder that democracy is not self-sustaining.
According to Braimah, Ghana’s experience ahead of the 2024 elections serves as a reminder that democracy is not self-sustaining.
“It requires constant nurturing, honest leadership, and institutions that respond to the needs and anxieties of the people,” he concluded.