Influential leaders to tackle civic challenges at Civic Space Outlook Documentary launch in Ghana

On August 29, 2024, influential leaders from various sectors will convene at the Accra City Hotel for the launch of the “Civic Space Outlook documentary”.

This event seeks to critically evaluate the current state of civic engagement in Ghana, particularly as the nation gears up for upcoming elections — a time characterized by increased scrutiny of democratic practices.

The discussions will center on pressing issues impacting Ghana’s civic landscape, including government restrictions, media freedom, and the protection of human rights.

As the political atmosphere grows more tense, the event aims to illuminate the barriers to civic participation and the implications these challenges pose for democracy.

Among the key speakers is Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG).

He will address the urgent challenges facing civic space in the country, emphasizing the necessity for collective action to ensure that citizens can freely exercise their rights, especially as elections approach.

His insights are expected to highlight growing constraints on civic freedoms and the declining dialogue between the government and civil society.

Other notable panelists include Bertha Badu-Agyei, News Editor at the Ghana News Agency, who will discuss the vital role of media in promoting accountability and transparency, particularly during elections when the flow of information is crucial.

Vera Addo, Programs Officer at CDD-Ghana, will present findings that underscore the risks of uninformed citizen participation and advocate for educational initiatives surrounding democratic processes.

Mercy Larbi, Deputy Commissioner at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, is anticipated to raise concerns about ongoing human rights violations and the lack of accountability among officials. Meanwhile, Kofi Yeboah, General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association, will address the challenges journalists face in covering civic issues, stressing how these obstacles threaten press freedom and, by extension, democracy itself.

The Civic Space Outlook documentary aims to foster serious discussions about the challenges confronting civil society in Ghana. With elections on the horizon and an environment often hostile to dissenting voices, the need for collaborative strategies to uphold democratic values is more urgent than ever.

This launch serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggle for civic rights in Ghana, highlighting the importance of vigilance, dialogue, and action in safeguarding democracy.

As leaders gather to examine the current state of civic freedoms, the outcomes of these discussions could significantly influence future strategies for civil society engagement in a country where democratic principles are increasingly under threat.

Organized by Spaces For Change, a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to integrating human rights into social and economic governance, the Civic Space Outlook launch is supported by the Ford Foundation through the Civic Space Resource Hub.

Spaces For Change aims to empower civic actors and enhance democratic participation through research, advocacy, youth engagement, and community action.

As the event approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a vital and necessary discussion about the future of civic rights and freedoms in Ghana.