This volume provides a comprehensive and integrated analysis of Ghanaian politics, economy and society, outlining tensions, dilemmas and prospects that the country has to contend with. The chapters critically examine the performance and prospects of democratic institutions and processes; responses to, and impact of, economic policies and programs; and how culture intersects with the preceding developments to shape socio-economic and political institutions and practices. The collection is divided into four thematic sections: * Politics, the State and Democratic Consolidation * Economic Crisis and Neo-Liberal Reforms: Responses and Implications * Indigenous Institutions and the Shaping of Development * Culture, Indigenous Knowledge and Development It combines rich, recent, empirical material with sophisticated theoretical analyses, and brings unique interdisciplinary perspectives to bear on the issues examined. Contributors include: Bruce J. Berman, Joseph R.A. Ayee, Wisdom J. Tettey, Senyo Adjibolosoo, Korba P. Puplampu, Peter Arthur, Edna D. Djokoto-Asem, Kobena T. Hanson, Baffour K. Takyi, Isaac Addai, Donald I. Ray, Louis Awanyo, Charlotte Kesson-Smith, Henry M. Codjoe, George J. Sefa Dei, and Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo.