The country of Ghana possesses a long tradition of democratic political thought vigorously defended by a small number of Ghana's most prominent families. When Ghana achieved its independence from Britain, democracy was not established and these families faced severe economic and political adversity. Nevertheless the families survived and remain an influential force for democratic reform. This doctoral dissertation research will undertake extensive field research in Ghana in an attempt to understand how these families have survived in post independence Ghana. Drawing upon theories of rational choice it will attempt to understand the ways in which these individuals acted to advance both their private and group interests, how they withstood the attacks by the government, and what strategies they used. In addition to expanding our knowledge of African politics, this study promises to increase our understanding of the relationship between individual rights, egalitarianism, and economic development.
