Hosted under the theme "Reimagining Partnerships for Democratic Consolidation and Inclusive Development", the 2026 Ghana Civil Society Forum gathered over 700 participants in Accra from 25-26 June. The forum welcomed H.E. President John Mahama as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside keynote speaker Dr Esther Ofei-Aboagye, Social Policy and Local Governance Expert. CLGF was represented at the event by Ms Joyce Ekuful, CLGF West and Central Africa Programme Manager. 

Enhancing stronger institutions and participatory governance 

H.E President John Mahama emphasised that global and local challenges should not prevent adherence to democratic principles but rather help deepen institutions and strengthen state-citizen partnerships.  

In response to declining international cooperation and development aid, President Mahama highlighted the focus on transitioning to sustainable development that can fund future processes and improve livelihoods. He also indicated that his administration is working with a new development compact that is grounded on four key principles:  

1. Greater domestic resource mobilisation;  

2. Strong institutions of State;  

3. Accountability for development outcomes;  

4. Stronger partnerships across societies.  

The President concluded by expressing the commitment of the government to participatory governance.  

Strategic partnerships for democratic, inclusive development  

The keynote speaker, Dr Esther Ofei-Aboagye, stressed that in re-imagining partnerships for democratic consolidation and inclusive development requires Ghanaians to reflect on how they work together as a democratic nation. This includes power relations, resource flow, policy influence and media engagement.  

With international funding declining, some civil society organisations (CSOs) are employing alternative resource mobilisation approaches, including consultancy services, diaspora networks, philanthropy and individual citizen’s support.   

Dr Ofei-Aboagye highlighted the government’s launch of a Community Development Fund where all can contribute to national development. She also called on the central government to play a key role by establishing national co-funding or matching grants to support the work of CSOs.  

Furthermore, she encouraged CSOs to actively engage with the government’s new decentralisation policy launched this year, while calling for progress on the Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) bill currently awaiting parliamentary approval. 

From a local government perspective 

Reflecting on the forum's discussions, CLGF emphasised the critical role of local authorities in strengthening local democracy, enhancing accountability and ensuring that citizens are genuinely involved in decision-making at the grassroots level. By building stronger local institutions, local governments can facilitate participatory and inclusive governance that complements the work of CSOs. It is, therefore, necessary that local government is given the attention and resources required for the effective consolidation of democratic and inclusive gains across Ghana. 

Forum outcomes 

The remaining proceedings of the Forum featured plenary and breakout sessions covering practical topics such as building effective alliances, civil society sustainability, financing for inclusive and sustainable development, AI, cyber security and data protection, local resource mobilization, and NPOs compliance.  

The forum was concluded with the annual CSOs meeting and the adoption of a communique to be shared with all stakeholders and partners. 

Photo credit: © STAR-Ghana Foundation, 2026