Akoto Ampaw Dialogue Opens in Accra to Promote Active Citizenship
The Akoto Ampaw Active Citizenship Dialogue was yesterday opened in Accra to
promote active citizenship and good governance.
This annual event, organised by the STAR-Ghana Foundation, brought together stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen civic engagement and participatory governance in the country .
Speaking to the media in Accra yesterday,
the Executive Director of Media Foundation for West Africa Mr Sulemana Braimah highlighted that active citizenship was crucial for building a prosperous democracy and addressing national challenges.
“It is about being an active citizen, and active citizenship is what is required to build a prosperous country for ourselves and for future generations,” he said .
He noted that Ghana’s democracy was being torn apart by intense polarisation, and citizens must prioritise patriotism over partisanship.
Mr Braimah urged the youth to take action, citing examples of successful youth-led initiatives, and suggested five ways to strengthen democracy which included community engagement, focusing on issues, participating in governance, responsible online behavior, and living with integrity.
Mr Braimah challenged the audience to reflect on problems in their communities they can help solve, how they can participate in governance, and what legacy they want to leave behind.
He emphasised that Ghana’s future depended on citizens choosing action over apathy and unity over division.
The Executive Director said the strength of a democracy was determined by its citizens, especially the youth, and their commitment to building a better nation.
“Democracy requires our continuous engagement in governance processes, it requires our continuous demand for transparency and accountability, and it requires our continuous participation in community development and community initiative”, he said .
He urged Ghanaians to rise and reclaim their citizenship, engaging in community and national affairs to build a united and prosperous country.
For his part ,Member of Parliament for Madina constituency Mr Francis Xavier
emphasised the importance of creating platforms for young people to engage in politics and contribute to national decision-making processes.
Mr Xavier said it should not be a challenge that many young people were becoming politically active .
He expressed gratitude for being invited to the discussion and paid tribute to Akoto Ampaw describing him as a mentor and a small god.
He recalled Ampaw’s interest in human rights practice and the many times they shared spaces advocating for human rights.
He emphasised the importance of standing for justice, fighting for justice, and speaking for justice despite challenges.
“We will keep standing for justice, fighting for justice, speaking for justice, irrespective of the challenges it may bring”, he said.
He shared personal experiences of facing attacks and challenges while advocating for justice, highlighting the need for consistency, integrity, and accountability.
He stressed that personal integrity was crucial for success in advocacy and active citizenship.
“But the only thing that makes you successful in this journey of advocacy, active citizenship and personal integrity.
If you don’t have it anytime your own integrity is put on the table for interrogation, that is when you collapse”, he said .
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
