Yaw Nsarkoh speaks: Iniquities of Inequity in Our Santa Claus Democracy

The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences will host Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh. He is the former Executive Vice President of Unilever Global Markets. He will speak at the Occasional Lecture 2025.

Nsarkoh will discuss deep inequalities in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. He describes the country's democracy as a “Santa Claus Democracy.” He believes it has failed to benefit most people, especially rural peasants.

In his lecture, he argues for a shift from neoliberal capitalism. He advocates for a participatory democracy that ensures shared prosperity and dignity.

### Synopsis of the Lecture

Thirty years into the Fourth Republic, many question its effectiveness. Has it improved the lives of ordinary Ghanaians? This issue extends beyond Ghana to much of Africa.

From the late '80s to mid-'90s, Africa saw urgent demands for change. Did these movements truly benefit the people?

The lecture will highlight economic polarization and inequality in society. It is well-known that Ghana has become two separate nations: one wealthy and one poor.

Nsarkoh argues this divide isn't just due to poor leadership choices. The structural design of our democracy leads to inequity. He calls this system "Santa Claus Democracy."

Participation in politics is too costly for most citizens, especially peasants. While we remain largely pre-capitalist, a small urban elite controls state power.

This elite often ignores the needs of rural populations. With local government weakened, decision-making power is out of reach for many peasants. They experience only token participation during elections.

Politicians visit every few years with gifts to buy votes, like modern Santa Clauses.

The current conditions cannot last forever. What changes are necessary for real democratic participation? What happens if these changes do not occur soon? What role should intellectuals play in this process?

Nsarkoh firmly believes neoliberal capitalism leads nowhere beneficial. By studying successful countries like China and Singapore, he suggests better development models.

He emphasizes that true democracy must reflect the people's will to drive progress. Only then can we achieve shared prosperity and dignity as free individuals.

### About Yaw Nsarkoh

Yaw Nsarkoh is a Ghanaian living in London now. After three decades at Unilever, he works as an independent consultant. He offers valuable insights on development relevant to Africa.

He believes all development efforts must have a clear purpose: improving livelihoods.

Nsarkoh enjoys reading and writing and speaks publicly on these topics often. He advocates for intercultural approaches in an increasingly divided world.

He is married and has two adult sons.