Report By: Ishmael Barfi
The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has issued a call to action to media outlets and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) across Africa to strengthen their role in resisting democracy capture on the continent.
This appeal was made during the launch of the inaugural Democracy Capture Index (DEMCAP Index) on July 7, 2025, under the theme “Resisting Capture and Strengthening Democratic Resilience in Africa.”
According to Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, Democracy and Development Fellow at CDD-Ghana, media and CSOs are vulnerable to future political and financial manipulation, despite their critical watchdog role.
“Civil society and media play a critical watchdog role, but we must acknowledge the risk of co-optation if proactive safeguards are not in place,” Dr. Osae-Kwapong warned.
The DEMCAP Index aims to provide an evidence-based framework for assessing how power is concentrated and exercised in ways that threaten democratic norms.
Dr. Kojo Asante, CDD-Ghana’s Director for Policy Engagement and Partnerships, emphasized that the index is part of a broader strategy to fortify democratic institutions and reverse democratic backsliding across Africa.
The launch of the DEMCAP Index brought together key governance actors and stakeholders from across the sub-region to examine vulnerabilities in democratic institutions and explore solutions to the increasing influence of entrenched interests.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
