Civil society and media play a crucial role in promoting active citizenship, according to Bernard Avle, a renowned broadcaster and activist.
Speaking at the Annual Akoto-Ampaw Active Citizenship Dialogue, Avle emphasized the importance of civil society and media in harnessing their convening power to drive social change.
The dialogue, organized by the STAR-Ghana Foundation, brought together stakeholders to discuss pathways to strengthening active citizenship in Ghana. Avle’s keynote address highlighted the need for citizens to be interested in community-based collaborations and for the private sector to invest in credible media for social accountability to thrive.
For civic advocacy to thrive, civil society and media must understand and harness their convening power,” Avle said. “Citizens must be interested in community-based collaborations, and the private sector must invest in credible media.”
Avle also stressed the importance of citizens having a common understanding of their rights and duties. He noted that traditional African societies have a strong emphasis on community and collective responsibility, which can serve as a foundation for active citizenship.
The Annual Akoto-Ampaw Active Citizenship Dialogue is a key feature of STAR-Ghana’s calendar, reflecting the foundation’s strategic focus on promoting active citizenship and local philanthropy. The dialogue provides a space for conversations on pathways to strengthening active citizenship in Ghana for good governance and inclusive development.
This year’s dialogue was held in memory of the late Akoto-Ampaw, a founding member of STAR-Ghana and its former Board Secretary, who was a tireless advocate for citizens’ rights. The event featured discussions on various topics, including collaborative activism, cause-based advocacy, and community-focused organizations.
The STAR-Ghana Foundation is a Ghanaian-led organization that aims to promote active citizenship and local philanthropy. The foundation works to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations and promote inclusive development in Ghana.
Hajia Hamdiya Ismaila, Chairperson of the Governing Council of STAR-Ghana Foundation, kicked off the year’s first public event by emphasizing the importance of engaging citizens in the civic space. She reiterated the foundation’s commitment to promoting active citizenship as a powerful tool for driving change, empowering citizens, and shaping national development.
It is our pleasure to have you all here representing different institutions and generations, ages, social assignments and with diverse experience and activism that has helped to shape our society at all levels today,” she said.
The Akoto-Ampaw Active Citizenship Dialogue has been a vital platform for promoting civic engagement, participatory governance, and social accountability in Ghana since its inception in 2021. Organized annually by STAR-Ghana Foundation, this dialogue brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, policymakers, academics, and active citizens, to discuss pressing national issues and explore ways to strengthen active citizenship in governance.¹
The dialogue was renamed in honor of Lawyer Akoto Ampaw, a renowned advocate for democracy, human rights, and active citizenship, who passed away in 2023. Akoto Ampaw played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s civil society landscape, promoting inclusive governance, citizen participation, and social justice. His tireless advocacy left a lasting impact on Ghana’s democratic journey.
By renaming the event, STAR-Ghana Foundation aims to keep Akoto Ampaw’s vision alive, ensuring that citizen activism remains a driving force in Ghana’s governance and development. This initiative demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to promoting active citizenship and fostering a more inclusive and participatory governance system in Ghana.
