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Clarion call: A new book examines the mind of JJ Rawlings, who led Ghana from 1981 to 2001. (William F Campbell/Getty Images)

The coup that changed Ghana forever

In this abridged and edited extract from The Trial of JJ Rawlings, Kojo Yankah describes how the young air force pilot prepared to defend the military coup he led

The country needs to protect its democracy given that ashift to authoritarian rule is evident on the continent. (Photo by Jordi Perdigo/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Ghana’s free and fair elections don’t mean its democratisation process is complete

The country needs to protect its democracy given that ashift to authoritarian rule is evident on the continent

Jerry Rawlings used extreme measures, including a coup, enforced ‘discipline’ through executions, ‘disappearances’ and floggings, but reintroduced democracy. (Photo by Daniel SIMON/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

JJ Rawlings left an indelible mark on Ghana’s history

The air force pilot and former president used extreme measures, including a coup, enforced ‘discipline’ through executions, ‘disappearances’ and floggings, but reintroduced…

The journalist who was shot in cold blood

Ahmed Divela was one of Ghana’s most fearless investigative journalists. This edited excerpt about his killing is from Faces of Assassination

When former president Jerry Rawlings had to stand down and the ruling party ran John Atta Mills — a considerably less charismatic figure — as its presidential candidate, the Ghanaian opposition found a way through.

How opposition parties in Africa can make friends and influence people

Only by demonstrating that it would perform better in office while building trust within the wider population can the opposition force improvements in the electoral system while…

Africans drunk on Obama

But a greater lesson lies in the US election, writes C Don Adinuba.

Crossing borders

In less than one lifetime, Ghana and Zimbabwe have swopped positions internationally, writes Colleen Lowe Morna.

Mbeki: Crime a symptom of ‘rapacious individualism’

The prevalence of corruption and other forms of crime in South Africa reflected a society that had embraced a culture of individualism, President Thabo Mbeki said on Wednesday.…