The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has held the third edition of its annual Stakeholder Dialogue Series (SDS) with a call for enhanced transparency and civil trust ingovernance.
The dialogue series, organized in collaboration with the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and supported by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and the Government of Norway, was on theme: ‘Enhancing Civic Engagement and Institution-Building for Sustainable Development in Africa.’
The dialogue, held in Kumasi, aimed to promote transparency and trust between citizens and state institutions, ensuring good governance and the enhancement of the rule of law.
It sought to analyze the resilience and independence of key state institutions responsible for delivering successful general elections.
Discussions also focused on building strong institutions that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the governance process.
The event brought together a diverse group of participants, i
ncluding policymakers from AU Member States, representatives from civil society, faith-based organizations, state agencies, security agencies, academia, youth groups, and the media.
Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, the Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, reiterated the significance of the dialogue series in promoting peace and security in Africa and highlighted the complex relationship between national security and effective institutions.
‘Strong and effective institutions are essential for ensuring national security, upholding the rule of law, promoting accountability, resolving conflicts, and supporting economic development,’ he said.
The Deputy Commandant said that by investing in resilient institutions and promoting good governance, countries could enhance their security architecture and contribute to sustainable peace and development.
He pointed out the busy election calendar in Africa for 2024, noting that the outcomes of those elections would significantly influence the continent’s journey toward stable
and participatory governance.
‘As Ghana goes to the polls in December, it is imperative to reflect on the pivotal role that civic engagement and strong institutions play in the sustainable development of our nation,’ he added.
The Deputy Commandant said the need for active citizen participation, transparent governance, and robust institutions had become more pertinent.
He called for collective efforts and meaningful partnerships to drive positive change, foster inclusive growth, and build a more stable and prosperous future for all Africans.
‘By amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, empowering youth and women, and promoting participatory decision-making processes; we can build more resilient and inclusive societies as well as strong, accountable, and transparent institutions to foster trust, promote stability, and drive economic growth,’ Air Commodore Akrong said.
Mr Justice Onan, Programme Executive for Research, Governance and Human Rights at the AACC, who highlighted the importance of the
dialogue in the context of the current democratic challenges facing Africa, said, ‘Democracy on the African continent is at a crossroads.
‘He stated that recent events called for a deeper reflection on the nature of democracy and the quality of governance.
‘It is time to identify and address the disconnect between the governance system and the expectations of the citizenry,’ Mr Onan said.
He noted that active citizen engagement in governance was key, and said, ‘this is the time for African citizens to engage constructively in the governance process to build strong, resilient institutions that promote trust, enhance the rule of law, and entrench democratic principles and values.’
Ms Jacinta Kwao, a representative from the German Technical Cooperation, who reiterated the critical role of civic engagement in democracy and sustainable development, said ‘Civic engagement is the heartbeat of any democracy and plays an integral role in sustainable development.
‘It is imperative that we recognize the vital role
that citizens play in shaping our societies and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),’ she further stated.
Civic engagement, Ms Kwao said, thrived in an environment of openness and inclusive dialogue that fostered meaningful participation of citizens and all stakeholders.
She assured of GIZ’s commitment to supporting the SDS and applauded KAIPTC for creating the platform to foster multi-stakeholder interactions and collaborative action.
This year’s Stakeholder Dialogue Series was conducted in two phases; a Town Hall meeting in Kumasi and a panel discussion at the ECOSSOC Citizens Forum in Accra.
Source: Ghana News Agency