This book analyses Flight-Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings' plans for radical democratisation in Ghana, involving ordinary people directly in the country's political and economic decision-making processes. Rawlings came to power in Ghana in late 1981 determined to restructure the characteristics of Ghana's political and economic systems. Despite Rawlings' aim to bring ordinary Ghanaians into the decision-making process, his regime was still heavily dependent on the support of the military and attempts at direct democracy ultimately ended in failure. Outside analysts have viewed his plans as one of Africa's most draconian economic reform programmes.