Democracy accelerates when government, private sector and citizens pursue a shared vision – STAR-Ghana
When governments, the private sector and citizens work together in pursuit of a shared vision, they accelerate their democratic dividends and build a future in which every citizen has the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive, the Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, Alhaji Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, has said.
Alhaji Amidu made the observation at the 2026 Civil Society Forum in Accra, where governance experts, civil society representatives and government officials gathered to deliberate on partnerships needed to deepen democratic consolidation and drive inclusive development across the country.
He said the relationship between government, society and the private sector was not merely transactional but foundational to how democracies delivered on their promises to citizens, and that when those three actors aligned around a common purpose, the results went beyond what any one of them could achieve alone.
His remarks were echoed by Development Consultant and Local Government Expert Dr Esther Ofei-Aboagye, who told the forum that democracy was not sustained by ballots alone.
“It is sustained by inclusion, participation and collective responsibility,” Dr Ofei-Aboagye said.
The forum was addressed by President John Dramani Mahama, who told participants that his administration regarded civil society not as an adversary but as a strategic partner in nation building, and that good governance was strengthened when citizens participated actively in the decisions that affected their lives.
President Mahama used the occasion to announce that Cabinet had approved the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2026 to 2030, directed the Attorney General to draft a State Assets Protection Bill and disclosed key proposals emerging from Ghana’s constitutional review process, including the election of District Chief Executives, an independent emoluments commission and the extension of presidential and parliamentary terms from four to five years.
STAR-Ghana Foundation is a Ghanaian civil society organisation focused on strengthening democratic governance, civic participation and inclusive development.
It works with a range of partners across government, civil society and the private sector to promote accountability, transparency and citizen engagement in public affairs.
The 2026 Civil Society Forum, held under the theme “Reimagining Partnerships for Democratic Consolidation and Inclusive Development,” brought together diverse voices from across Ghanaian society to examine the challenges facing the country’s democracy and identify practical pathways to strengthen governance and promote development that reached every community and every citizen.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
