President John Dramani Mahama has called for renewed efforts to strengthen democratic governance, deepen citizen participation and build a development model rooted in Ghana’s own capacities and institutions.
Speaking at the 4th Annual Convening of the Ghana Civil Society Forum ’26 in Accra, the President reflected on the country’s democratic journey since the establishment of the Fourth Republic, highlighting significant gains that have shaped Ghana’s governance landscape.
He cited peaceful transfers of political power, stronger democratic institutions, a vibrant media environment and increasing citizen engagement as key achievements that must be safeguarded and strengthened.
According to President Mahama, the success of democracy should not be measured solely by the conduct of elections but by the extent to which citizens feel their voices are heard, public institutions remain accountable and development benefits communities across the country.
“The true test of democracy lies in whether citizens feel heard, whether institutions are accountable, whether policies respond to the needs of ordinary people and whether development reaches every corner of the nation,” he noted.
The President also urged a shift in Africa’s development approach, stressing the need for countries on the continent to prioritise domestic capacity, innovation and enterprise while taking greater ownership of their development agenda.
While acknowledging the valuable support provided by international development partners over the years, he emphasised the importance of creating a more resilient and self-sustaining development framework capable of driving long-term growth and prosperity.
President Mahama explained that this vision continues to guide his administration’s policies and reforms, including measures aimed at prudent economic management, enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation, economic diversification, export promotion and the attraction of strategic investments.
He further praised civil society organisations for their longstanding contributions to Ghana’s democratic advancement, describing them as vital champions of human rights, transparency, accountability and inclusive development.
The President observed that many of the country’s democratic milestones had been achieved through the active engagement and advocacy of civil society groups, whose efforts have helped strengthen governance and promote citizen participation.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to collaboration, President Mahama stressed the importance of continued partnership between government and civil society in advancing national development objectives and consolidating Ghana’s democratic gains.
The Ghana Civil Society Forum convenes stakeholders from across government, civil society and development institutions to discuss governance, accountability and sustainable development, providing a platform for dialogue on issues critical to the country’s progress.
