Nana Quame Owusu-Nti, a 2024 graduate of Antioch’s PhD Program in Leadership and Change, has published his dissertation entitled, Indigenous Culture and the Path to Democracy: An In-Depth Case Study of Ghana’s Democratization Process, 1992 – Present. The study sought to determine whether introducing democracy has adversely impacted Indigenous cultural practices in Ghana or whether the path to democracy has enhanced, shaped, or strengthened aspects of the country’s Indigenous culture.
This dissertation delves into the challenges that transitional societies like Ghana face as they democratize, particularly the tensions between traditional values and modern democratic systems. By examining how Indigenous cultures can be woven into democratic frameworks, the study sheds light on ways to ease cultural and political conflicts. Additionally, it challenges common stereotypes about governance in countries that blend Indigenous customs with democratic principles, offering a deeper understanding of how Indigenous norms shape the path of democratization in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to understand how traditional societies can be integrated into liberal democratic institutions to mitigate the cultural and political tensions often seen during democratic transitions.
Owusu-Nti is a highly qualified professional specializing in Public Policy and Social Change and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) focusing on public interest and criminal law. He also holds a Master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in Law and Public Management. His work champions positive advancements in governance, politics, the economy, sports, and entertainment. He is keenly interested in how political strategies and policy initiatives shape the trajectory of emerging democracies, especially within the Global South. His research and policy work focus on post-conflict state restructuring, Global South studies, Indigenous studies, public policy, governance, and democratization.
Learn more about Owusu-Nti and read the full dissertation Indigenous Culture and the Path to Democracy: An In-Depth Case Study of Ghana’s Democratization Process, 1992 – Present here.
