Ghana’s Shift from Non-Alignment to Alignment: A Comparative Case Study of Foreign Policy Under Geopolitical Pressures

With the geopolitical landscape experiencing significant dynamic shifts, the rise of global powers like China and Russia is putting pressure on non-aligned countries to adjust to the new realities. This thesis examines the evolving nature of Ghana’s foreign policy from non-alignment to alignment due to geopolitical pressures. Using a comparative case study of Ghana and Zambia, the thesis analyzes how economic dependency, military cooperation, and diplomatic behavior— especially with the United States—have influenced Ghana’s foreign policy trajectory between the Cold War and the post-2010 period. Through analysis of policy documents, defense agreements, and United Nations General Assembly voting records, the thesis finds that Ghana has moved from a historically non-aligned posture to an aligned position characterized by increased military and cooperation, leading to voting alignment with the United States. The comparison with Zambia proves that this shift reflects a broad pattern of pressure faced by other African states because of the dynamics in the geopolitical landscape.