Accra: Mr. Sulemana Braimah, the Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), has called on Ghanaians to reclaim their role in shaping the country's democracy and future prosperity. He emphasized that as Ghana faces challenges of polarisation and partisanship, stronger citizenship is essential for democracy to thrive.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Braimah made these remarks at the Akoto Ampaw Active Citizenship Dialogue 2026, held in Accra. The forum, themed 'Beyond the Ballot: Reclaiming Citizenship in a Polarized Ghana' and organised by the STAR-Ghana Foundation, focused on encouraging Ghanaians to engage in community activities, hold leaders accountable, and contribute to policy debates beyond just voting.
Mr. Braimah stressed that active citizenship is a responsibility, urging a focus on national interests over partisan agendas. He particularly encouraged the youth to take ownership of shaping Ghana's future, stating that today's youth play a crucial role in the country's democratic and national development. He outlined practical ways to promote active citizenship, including local engagement, issue-based focus, active governance participation, responsible online behavior, and living responsibly.
Madam Eunice Racheal Agbenyadzi, the Head of Programmes at STAR-Ghana Foundation, also highlighted the importance of active citizenship. She detailed the Foundation's role in promoting civic engagement and social accountability, explaining that the dialogue serves as a platform for citizens to share experiences and challenges in promoting democratic values. She emphasized the continuous practice of active citizenship and the need to bridge political divides to address common concerns and demonstrate commitment to the public good.
Mr. Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Madina, paid tribute to activist Akoto Ampaw. He stressed the importance of standing up for justice and integrity in advocacy work, noting that consistency and accountability are key to maintaining integrity and credibility.