President John Dramani Mahama has called for renewed efforts to strengthen democratic governance, deepen citizen participation, and build a development model driven by Ghana’s own capacities and institutions.
Speaking at the 4th Annual Convening of the Ghana Civil Society Forum, President Mahama reflected on Ghana’s democratic journey since the inception of the Fourth Republic. He highlighted the country’s peaceful transfers of power, stronger democratic institutions, vibrant media landscape, and increasing citizen participation as key milestones that must be safeguarded and strengthened.
According to the President, the success of a democracy should not be measured solely by elections but by whether citizens feel heard, public institutions remain accountable, government policies address the needs of ordinary people, and development reaches every community across the country.
President Mahama also called for a shift in Africa’s development approach, urging countries on the continent to prioritize domestic capacity, innovation, enterprise, and national ownership in financing and implementing development programmes. While expressing appreciation for the continued support of development partners, he stressed the need for Ghana to build a more resilient and self-sustaining economy.
He noted that this vision underpins his administration’s policy direction, including reforms focused on prudent economic management, enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation, economic diversification, export promotion, and attracting strategic investments to drive sustainable growth.
The President further commended civil society organisations for their longstanding contributions to Ghana’s democratic development. He described them as vital partners in promoting human rights, transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, adding that many of the country’s democratic achievements have been made possible through the active engagement of civil society.
President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with civil society organisations to strengthen democratic institutions and accelerate Ghana’s national development agenda.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
