Accountable Government in Africa: Perspectives from public law and political studies

Abstract

Accountable government is crucial for the socio-economic and political development of African states and peoples. The theme of accountable government in Africa has nevertheless been under-researched, especially from an interdisciplinary perspective, and inadequately appraised in the light of evidence on the ground. Combining insights from public law and political studies, this book critically examines various institutions and mechanisms of accountability, including constitution-making processes, national prosecutorial authorities, the judiciary, national human rights institutions, political parties, informal mechanisms of accountability, and external accountability assistance. Focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa, it addresses the following questions: What is the significance and role of these institutions and mechanisms in holding governments to account? How effective have they been? And what are the necessary conditions for their successful functioning? The book brings together the work of leading experts from the continent and beyond and covers legal and political developments an accountable government in a number of African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Mali, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. It gives an up-to-date perspective on democratic governance and accountable government on the continent.