CDD-Ghana urges action against growing threat to African democracies
The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has called on media outlets and civil society organizations across Africa to step up efforts against the increasing threat of democracy capture on the continent.
The appeal was made during the launch of the inaugural Democracy Capture Index (DEMCAP Index) on July 7, 2025, in Accra.
The event, themed “Resisting Capture and Strengthening Democratic Resilience in Africa,” brought together governance experts and stakeholders to discuss vulnerabilities in democratic institutions and explore solutions.
The DEMCAP Index is designed to assess how susceptible democratic institutions are to manipulation by powerful interests.
CDD-Ghana officials stressed the importance of safeguarding institutional independence, transparency, and public trust.
Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, Democracy and Development Fellow at CDD-Ghana, warned that while civil society and media institutions are currently less affected by democracy capture, their integrity remains crucial in polarized political climates.
Dr. Kojo Asante, Director of Policy Engagement and Partnerships, highlighted the initiative’s role in empowering reformers and reversing democratic erosion in Africa.
The launch marks a significant step in CDD-Ghana’s commitment to promoting democratic values and institutional resilience across the continent.
