African Social Movement Baraza begins in Accra
The 2025 edition of the African Social Movements Baraza has kicked off in Accra, bringing together passionate activists, organisers, and changemakers from across Africa and the diaspora.
The event, co-hosted by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and TrustAfrica, is focused on harnessing the power of movements to drive real change on the continent.
The Executive Director of TrustAfrica, Mr Ebraima Sall, called for a borderless Africa where people can move freely to connect, work, study, and live.
He stressed the need to ease visa processes and support mobility across the continent, saying it should be the bare minimum for development and unity.
He highlighted the importance of understanding how policies affected ordinary people and the need for movements to hold governments accountable when citizens were left out.
“This is the movement that have been calling for a borderless Africa. We need to make it easier for Africans to meet, share, and work together. Movement is key, not just for work or study, but for human dignity,” Mr Sall said.
He said Baraza offers more than just a space to talk, “It is a platform to build solidarity, inspire collaboration, and push for practical solutions and also seeks to bridge the gap between funders and movements by encouraging honest dialogue and trust-building”.
He said movements are not enemies of the state, but rather necessary actors in a healthy democracy. “It’s important and healthy for governments to hear the messages without feeling attacked,” he said.
CDD-Ghana’s Programmes Officer, Vera Abena Addo, also underscored the role of movements in renewing democracy and pushing for social justice.
She encouraged participants to turn dialogue into action and solidarity into lasting change. “The answers lie in your hands,” she told the gathering. “Engage boldly, connect authentically, and collaborate fearlessly.”
CDD-Ghana, a non-profit think-and-do-tank, has been working for over two decades to promote democracy, good governance, and inclusive development in Ghana.
This year’s baraza is on the theme “The Power of Movements”, a timely message in light of the many issues Africa is facing today, from poverty and conflict to climate change and authoritarianism, the continent is at a turning point.
But amid the struggles, participants believe there is hope and strength in unity.
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
