The STAR-Ghana Foundation has called for the institutionalisation of civil society engagement in Ghana’s governance system, stressing the need for structured collaboration between government and civil society organisations (CSOs) to strengthen democracy and promote inclusive development.
The Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, Alhaji Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, made the call at the 4th Ghana Civil Society Forum 2026 held at the University of Ghana, Accra.
He said CSOs play a critical role in bridging the gap between citizens and the state, but their involvement in governance is often inconsistent and not formally embedded in national systems.
“Civil society organisations are often among the closest actors to communities and are critical in providing evidence, mobilising citizen participation, and strengthening accountability,” he said.
He added that Ghana’s changing development context requires stronger partnerships, especially at a time of shrinking global development financing and growing pressure on civic space.
“The realities confronting Ghana and Africa demand that we pause, reflect and rethink how we respond to both longstanding and emerging challenges,” he noted.
Mr. Amidu further argued that institutionalising CSO engagement would make dialogue between government and non-state actors more consistent and impactful.
He also cited concerns about citizen participation, saying many Ghanaians—particularly young people—feel excluded from decision-making processes.
“Just 12% of citizens believe that the political system offers sufficient opportunities for participation,” he said, referencing governance data.
According to him, strengthening CSO engagement would help rebuild public trust and ensure that development outcomes reflect the needs of all citizens, including women, youth, and marginalised groups.
He called for CSOs to be recognised as domestic development partners rather than merely implementers of donor-funded projects.
“The question is not whether government can afford to invest in civic participation, but whether Ghana can afford not to,” he stated.
Mr. Amidu also urged the creation of institutionalised platforms for regular multi-stakeholder dialogue at both national and local levels to enhance coordination and development impact.
He stressed that Ghana’s progress should be measured not only by economic growth, but also by how inclusive and participatory its governance systems are.
