The relationship between aspects of indigenous African political culture is explored in this paper as well as the quest for appropriate principles and practices for Africa’s political future. Its main thesis is that some political values of traditional Akan society are relevant to our contemporary lives and should, therefore, be adapted and integrated into strategies for better governance in the modern setting. This claim rests on the premise that some features of traditional culture can play an essential role in the search for enduring and workable solutions to Africa’s socio-political and economic problems. The paper explores the meaning of the concept of democracy and contends that significant features of traditional political thought and practice meet its tenets. Following onto this, the writer scans the constitutional history of Ghana, and deploys the views of some prominent political figures, to highlight aspects of post-independence governance that conform to traditional principles. Finally, Ajei outlines some favourable implications of adopting traditional values into national governance, and advocates a national referendum to decide on whether, and how these traditional principles and structures should influence the unfolding of Ghana’s constitutional democracy.
