Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Cenre (KAIPTC) in collaboration with its partners – Norway, Germany’s Gesellschaft Für Internatonale Zusammenarbet (GIZ), Bread for the World, and the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), have held the 3rd Edition of the KAIPTC Stakeholder Dialogue Series in two parts, to promote transparency and trust between citizens and state institutions, to ensure good governance and enhance rule of law, in Ghana.
The first part was held from Monday 15 July 2024 at the Golden Bean Hotel, Kumasi, and the 2nd on Friday 19 July 2024, at the Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel, Accra.
The series also sought to analyze the resilience and independent stance of key state institutions mandated to deliver successful general elections, with highlights on discussions relating to sustaining democracy, and building of resilient institutions in Africa.
The conference employed the methodology of a Townhall Meeting that brought together stakeholders, including AACC Constituents, governance related institutions, civil society, security agencies, media, civilian experts in the field of peacebuilding and conflict prevention, youth groups, among others.
Discussions focused on building strong institutions that promote transparency, and accountability in governance processes, enhancing civic engagement and peaceful democratic culture, inclusivity in the electoral process, promoting dialogue, policy reforms and institutional frameworks that support citizen involvement in decision-making processes.
The arrangement is expected to achieve the following; 1) facilitate interdisciplinary discussions among experts regarding the need for neutrality by state agencies, to maintain their independence, to promote transparency and build trust between citizens and public institutions;
2) Explore strategies to increase civic engagements in the context of elections and development; 3) Examine the impact of electoral malpractice, threats to nationals security and its consequences for sustaining peace and security; 4) Highlight the role of the media in educating the citizenry on their rights during electoral processes; and 5) protect electoral integrity, ethical use of information via fact checking before publication.
Participants in the 2-day event were policy makers from African Union (AU) Member States, civil society representatives, AACC Constituents, Faith-Based Organizations, state agencies, security agencies, academia, students, women/youth groups.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Kumasi, the Deputy Commandant, KAIPTC – Air Commodore (A/Cdre) David Anetey Akrong, stated that whilst the AU Agenda 2063 provides a myriad of opportunities for economic transformation and growth, the African continent continues to be threatened with bad governance, violent extremism, terrorism, cyber-attacks, political upheavals resulting in a surge of coup d’états in the last 3 years.
He further said that the relationship between a country’s security situation and its institutions is intricate and multifaceted, and that strong and effective institutions are essential for ensuring national security, upholding the rule of law, promoting accountability, resolving conflicts, and supporting economic development.
A/Cdre Akrong continued to say that by investing in resilient institutions and promoting good governance, countries can enhance their security architecture and contribute to sustainable peace and development.
He said as Ghana goes to the polls in December 2024, it is imperative for a reflection on the pivotal role that civic engagement and strong institutions play, in the nation’s sustainable development.
The need for active citizen participation, transparent governance, and robust institutions, he asserted, has never been more pertinent, and that it is through collective efforts and meaningful partnerships, that positive change can be derived, to foster inclusive growth, and build a more stable and prosperous future for all Africans.
“By amplifying the voices of marginalized 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”, he said.
KAIPTC launched the maiden edition of its Annual Stakeholder Dialogue Series (SDS) in March 2021, with the aim of creating a platform to engage its clients, stakeholders, development and institutional partners on specific issues of concern, within the Peace and Security landscape.
The inaugural edition was in collaboration with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), and was focused on fostering strategic partnership between the KAIPTC and the private sector, and explored opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in the context of peace and development.
The 2nd Stakeholder Dialogue Series was organised in Senegal on March, 2022 in Senegal, and The Gambia on April, 2022.
The 3rd edition themed “Enhancing Civic Engagement and Institution-Building for Sustainable Development in Africa”, was intended to serve as a platform to sensitize Ghanaians and relevant stakeholders, on the role of key state institutions, in regards to neutrality and resilience, to ensure transparent and credible electoral processes devoid of violence in Ghana and in Africa, generally.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
