Ghana's prospects for long-term stability are being undermined by important structural weaknesses. The political system is highly centralized, the executive is excessively powerful, and patronage politics is corroding public institutions. Social pressures are building due to the slow decline of the country's agricultural sector and its inability to provide jobs for its growing workforce. In the next 5 to 10 years, the main threats to Ghanaian stability will stem from the social and macroeconomic impact of its new oil export sector, the influence of drug trafficking on its political system, and youth unemployment. The 2012 elections are likely to be the single most significant potential trigger of violence in the near term. Ghana's two main parties are closely matched and are highly antagonistic toward each other. A contested election result is possible.

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