CHAPTER 2 peoples in Africa. 4. Following independence from British colonial rule, however, Ghana unfortunately experienced the dire consequences of various types of bad governance. This ranged from one-party authoritarian governance and dictatorship to military regimes. The military has overthrown elected civilian governments and assumed political power on several occasions, thus subjecting Ghanaians to more than two decades of dictatorship and authoritarian governance. This situation gravely undermined the structure and performance of the economy, creating serious social and political problems. Human rights abuses and infringement on a wide range of freedoms and citizenship entitlements ensued. 5. The intervening civilian rule of the Third Republic presided by President Hilla Limann in 1979 was short-lived, brought to an abrupt end by the fifth military coup. From 1981 to the inauguration of the 1992 Constitution, Ghana was under a quasimilitary-dominated system of governance the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings. 6. Constitutional rule was fully restored in 1993, albeit in a climate of economic hardships and political uncertainties. Nonetheless, the new constitutional provisions incrementally created an environment of peace, security and stability. These provisions circumscribed the range of state control and involvement; the creation of various institutions for reinforcing human rights and freedom of the press; strengthening of the electoral mechanism; and the opening up of the political space. Ghanaians were thus enabled to enjoy several freedoms, and could engage in various creative and productive ventures, as well as political activities. 7. Despite its subsequently revealed operational shortfalls, the 1992 Constitution has created a solid foundation for stability, as well as creating potential for deepening democracy and good political governance in Ghana. 8. To date, Ghanaians have had more than a decade of peaceful and acceptable constitutional rule. They have also been able to change political rulers through the electoral process in a manner generally perceived to be free and fair. The 2000 and 2004 elections have confirmed the citizens' acceptance of the electoral principle as the legitimate mechanism for acquiring political power and assuming leadership of the institutions of governance. There is a growing sense of relief, confidence and pride 14