Posted by Chester Morton / Sunday 11 December 2016 / No comments
The determinants of Ghana's foreign policy
The historical factor
Historically, Ghana was colonized by Britain, and other
countries in Africa were colonized by France, Portugal and Germany. One of
Ghana’s foreign policy directions is to spear-head the decolonization of the
African continent and the attainment of political independence for all
countries still under domination by another country.
Geographical location
Ghana is geographically located in the middle of three
Franco-phone countries and the Atlantic Ocean. This has greatly influenced her
foreign policy. This policy has been geared toward the promotion of friendly
relations with all her neighbours.
Cultural similarity
In the demarcation of Africa during the bond of 1844, the
colonialists did not give consideration to the languages and cultures of the
people. Consequently, many tribes with similar cultures and languages were
split into two with each to either side of the divide. Ghana’s foreign policy
is influence by this event so that her foreign policy may not hurt people on
the other side.
As a member of international organizations
Another factor that determines Ghana’s foreign policy is her membership
of International Organizations. Such organizations may be committed to the
promotion of peace, economic emancipation, the promotion of human rights.
Whatever the aims and objectives of the organization, Ghana’s foreign policy
would be geared toward that direction.
Ideological factors
Until the collapse of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin
wall, socialism and capitalism were competing ideologies and the leading
countries of these ideologies, America and Russia always want countries of the
world to align with them. A decision to align with either had consequences.
Ghana’s foreign policy has always been not to align with either of the two. This has led to the Non-aligned Movement. Things are different today.
Personality of the Head of State
The personality of the Head of State can also determine the
foreign policy of a country. Commitment of the policy of non-interference in a
neighbour’s affairs can be determined by the President of a country. In the political
conflict that ensued in Cote D’voire in after a disputed election, the
President of Ghana at the time, the late Evans Atta Mills refused to send
troops to help restore peace though the opposition party was clamouring for it.
He preferred to use quiet diplomacy instead. His method was mainly influenced
by his nature.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Highlight six factors that determine Ghana’s foreign
policy.
