President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the importance of deepening public participation, strengthening democratic governance, and building a development framework anchored on Ghana’s own institutions, resources, and capabilities.
Speaking at the 4th Annual Convening of the Ghana Civil Society Forum, President Mahama reflected on Ghana’s democratic journey since the establishment of the Fourth Republic. He highlighted the country’s peaceful transfers of power, resilient democratic institutions, vibrant media landscape, and increasing levels of citizen engagement as significant achievements that must be protected and strengthened.
According to the President, the true measure of a democracy goes beyond periodic elections. He noted that democracy is ultimately judged by whether citizens feel their voices are heard, public institutions remain accountable, government policies respond to the needs of ordinary people, and development reaches every community across the country.
President Mahama also called for a renewed approach to Africa’s development agenda, stressing the need to prioritise domestic capacity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and national ownership in the financing and implementation of development programmes. While expressing appreciation for the support of development partners, he emphasised the importance of building a stronger and more self-reliant development model capable of sustaining long-term national progress.
He stated that this vision continues to guide his administration’s policy direction and reforms, including initiatives aimed at responsible economic management, enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation, economic diversification, export expansion, and the attraction of strategic investments to drive growth and job creation.
The President further commended civil society organisations for their enduring contribution to Ghana’s democratic development, describing them as vital partners in advancing transparency, accountability, human rights, and inclusive development.
He noted that many of Ghana’s democratic gains have been achieved through the constructive engagement of civil society actors and stressed the importance of sustaining strong collaboration between government and civic organisations to promote national development and strengthen democratic governance.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭