Jeffery Hayness, Emeritus Professor of Politics, London Metropolitan University
Professor Jeffrey Haynes, Emeritus Professor of Politics at London Metropolitan University, is actively shaping discourse on African politics through his scholarly works, guidance of research agendas and engagement in public discourse on the continent’s diverse political landscapes.
London Metropolitan University, commonly known as London Met, is a public research university in London, England. The University of North London and London Guildhall University merged in 2002 to create the university. The university’s roots go back to 1848.
In a Zoom conversation with the Daily Statesman, discussing his latest book, “Revolution and Democracy in Ghana: The Politics of Jerry John Rawlings,” Prof. Haynes reaffirmed his commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding in African studies. He aims to make a lasting impact on political science in Ghana and across Africa.
Motivation
He said what sparked his interest and the motivation behind his study of the political career of Jerry John Rawlings and the evolution of democracy in Ghana was his doctoral studies.
He described how his fascination with the intersection of revolution and democracy in Ghana shaped his research direction.
He shared the surprising discoveries and insights during his research that significantly shaped the understanding of Rawlings’ political strategies and outcomes.
He also talked about a nuanced understanding of the broader forces shaping governance and democratisation across Africa. He explained that at the heart of his research lies the exploration of how historical and socio-political contexts influence political developments in Africa.
Prof. Haynes stressed the need to move beyond simplistic portrayals of leadership, and examine the complex interactions between state institutions, civil society, public welfare, and global influences.
He believes that his rigorous approach encourages critical thinking, and fosters dialogue on strategies to address the complexities of governance, and promote democratic values.
Book launch
Prof. Hayness further revealed plans for the launch of his latest book, scheduled to take place in September at the British Council in Accra.
He disclosed that his book would be published by Digibooks in Ghana at a significantly reduced price, with a primary focus on students, researchers, and charitable donations of copies.
He expressed his excitement about the upcoming launch, and emphasised the importance of making his work accessible to a wide audience in Ghana.
Goodwill message
In his goodwill message to Ghanaians ahead of the December polls, he emphasised the critical importance of conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections.
He urged all key stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission, politicians from the New Patriotic Party and National Democratic Congress, security agencies, voters, and all citizens, to fulfill their roles diligently to ensure a smooth electoral process and prevent any disruptions.
He underscored the international significance of the upcoming elections, emphasising their profound impact on Ghana’s future and their implications for global geopolitics.
He acknowledged shared democratic values between Ghana and the UK, and lauded Ghana for its efforts in strengthening democracy.
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