In subsequent to Post-colonialism the African nations have dilated into different political directions. While some nations have established well-functioning democracies, others are still under authoritarian regimes. The aim of this thesis is to examine if civil society has an impact on democratic development in West Africa. Therefore the theoretical starting point is Putnam’s theory of social capital, but this study will also examine other possible causal explanations for democratic transition.

This study will be based on a comparative analysis of Ghana and Guinea. Therefore these following questions will be answered: Does the civil society have any connotation in democratic development in West African countries? Has the military, international influence, socio-economic development and differences in the population affected the democratic development in Ghana and Guinea?  Which of the above factors is most beneficial for a regime change when transcending from an authoritarian rule to a civilian rule, and do they have a greater significance than the civil society?

The main conclusion in this study is that civil society does not have any connotation for a regime change from authoritarian rule to a civilian rule in West Africa. The international influence is rather the most beneficial factor for such democratic development.