Civic engagement fosters trust, promotes stability — Air Commodore Akrong

The Deputy Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, has stressed the need for civic engagement and transparent governance to foster trust, promote stability and drive economic growth.

He said with the busy election calendar in Africa for 2024, 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.

Dialogue series

He was speaking at the third edition of the KAIPTC Stakeholder Dialogue Series in Kumasi last Tuesday. The dialogue series was organised in collaboration with the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and supported by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and the Government of Norway.

The dialogue, aimed at promoting transparency and trust between citizens and state institutions, ensuring good governance and the enhancement of the rule of law, was on the theme: “Enhancing Civic Engagement and Institution-Building for Sustainable Development in Africa.”

It sought to analyse 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.

Governance

Air Commodore Akrong said the need for active citizen participation, transparent governance and robust institutions had become more pertinent and called for enhanced transparency and civil trust in governance.

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 marginalised 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.

He said that by investing in resilient institutions and promoting good governance, countries could enhance their security architecture and contribute to sustainable peace and development.

“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.

Crossroads

The Programme Executive for Research, Governance and Human Rights at the AACC, Justice Onan, said democracy on the African continent is at a crossroads and 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 citizenry expectations,” Mr Onan said.

Civic engagement

A representative from the German Technical Cooperation, Ms Jacinta Kwao, 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 recognise the vital role that citizens play in shaping our societies and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she stated.

Civic engagement, Ms Kwao said, thrived in an environment of openness and inclusive dialogue that fostered meaningful participation of citizens and all stakeholders. - GNA