Accra, Ghana – In a significant move to tackle the country’s governance challenges, the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) has initiated a national conversation focused on constitutional reform, encouraging citizens to actively participate in shaping the country’s future.
This initiative aims to empower Ghanaians to demand improved governance, accountability, and citizen participation amid increasing disillusionment with the current political system.
“The existing system does not provide citizens with a meaningful voice in decision-making. It has resulted in poor governance, where leaders prioritize retaining power over serving the people,” stated Mr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, the Director of Advocacy and Policy Engagement at CDD.
During the official launch of the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Platform on Constitutional Reform in Accra, he emphasized that this situation has eroded trust between citizens and the government, leaving many feeling disenfranchised and disconnected from the decision-making process.
Mr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, the Director of Advocacy and Policy Engagement at CDD.
Mr. Asante highlighted that elections have frequently fallen short of meeting public expectations, leading to widespread frustration. “Ghana has a unique opportunity to reimagine its governance framework. Citizens must spearhead the constitutional reform process instead of relying solely on politicians. Successful reform can pave the way for a new era of good governance, accountability, and citizen participation,” he remarked.
CDD is urging Ghanaians to make their voices heard, engage in the constitutional review process, and hold their leaders accountable for fulfilling their promises. “The constitutional reform process presents a rare opportunity for Ghanaians to influence the future of their country. It is time to advocate for a better governance system,” Mr. Asante concluded.
Eunice Racheal Agbenyadzi, Head of Programs at Star Ghana
Eunice Racheal Agbenyadzi, Head of Programs at Star Ghana, underscored the importance of citizen engagement and collaboration among civil society organizations (CSOs) in the constitutional review process. “The platform aims to ensure that citizens’ voices are heard, their aspirations are reflected, and to promote collaboration between CSOs and citizens to affect constitutional reform,” she explained.
Star Ghana plans to establish an inclusive framework that represents CSOs and citizens nationwide and engage various stakeholders, including the government and parliament, to advance the review process.
The CSO Platform on Constitutional Reform, formed by CDD-Ghana in partnership with the STAR-Ghana Foundation and Democracy Hub, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), aims to unite diverse stakeholders to discuss and debate the critical issues affecting Ghana’s governance and development.
Report By: Ishmael Barfi
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
