Foundation for Democratic Integrity (FDI), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening Ghana’s democratic processes and institutions across the nation.
At a press briefing held at Tepa in the Ashanti Region, Mr. Kyei Sarpong, the Executive Director of the Foundation, called for closer collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners to strengthen democratic governance.
He emphasized the critical need for robust democratic systems to ensure transparency, accountability and citizen participation in governance and announced plans for a series of stakeholder workshops and forums to facilitate dialogue and share best practices in promoting democratic integrity.
Throwing more light on his proposed comprehensive strategy, Mr. Kyei Sarpong highlighted the importance of free, fair, and transparent elections as the cornerstone of democracy and called for the enhancement of the Electoral Commission’s capacity through increased funding, training, and the adoption of advanced technology to ensure accurate voter registration and efficient vote counting, adding that: “a credible electoral process is fundamental to maintaining public trust in our democracy,” he stated.
Civic education
He said his organization plans to launch a nationwide civic education campaign aimed at increasing public awareness on democratic rights and responsibilities.
This initiative, he explained, will involve partnerships with schools, community organizations, and media outlets to educate citizens on the importance of active participation in democratic processes.
In his view, “an informed citizenry is empowered to hold leaders accountable.”
“To combat corruption and enhance accountability, the FDI advocates for the implementation of stringent anti-corruption measures and the strengthening of institutions such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ)”, he stated.
Mr. Kyei Sarpong urged the government to enforce existing laws and ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions.
Touching on inclusive governance, Mr. Kyei Sarpong stressed the need for inclusive governance that reflects the diverse voices of Ghana’s population and called for increased representation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in political and decision-making processes, adding that: “democracy thrives when all citizens have a seat at the table.”
He also underscored the critical role of the media in a safeguarding Ghana’s democratic process and advocated the protection of press freedom and the promotion of independent journalism the media play its watchdog role effectively.
Legal frameworks
To this end, Mr. Kyei Sarpong emphasized the need for legal frameworks that safeguard journalists and ensure access to information and added that: “A free press is essential for exposing corruption and informing the public.”
The Foundation for Democratic Integrity’s initiative comes at a crucial time as Ghana prepares for upcoming elections. By prioritizing democratic integrity, the FDI aims to ensure that Ghana remains a beacon of democracy in the region. As Ghana continues to navigate its democratic journey, the Foundation for Democratic Integrity’s comprehensive strategy offers a roadmap for strengthening democratic institutions and processes. Through collective efforts and sustained commitment, Ghana can enhance its democratic integrity and set an example for other nations in the region.
Credit: rbnewshub.com
