(Kumasi, Ghana – July 15, 2024) The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has launched the third edition of its Annual Stakeholder Dialogue Series (SDS) on the theme “Enhancing Civic Engagement and Institution-Building for Sustainable Development in Africa.”
This year’s edition sought to promote transparency and trust between citizens and state institutions, ensuring good governance and enhancing the rule of law. The dialogue also assessed the resilience and independence of state institutions responsible for delivering successful general elections and highlighted discussions on sustaining democracy and building resilient institutions in Africa.
The Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Akrong, opened the session in Kumasi, Ghana, noting that Africa is at a crucial stage in its history as it continues to be threatened by bad governance, violent extremism, terrorism, cyber-attacks, and political upheavals, resulting in a surge of coup d’etats over the last three years.
He added that the relationship between a country’s security situation and its institutions is intricate and multifaceted, and there is a need for strong and effective institutions to ensure national security, uphold the rule of law, promote accountability, and support economic development.
The Deputy Commandant noted that the session would provide a platform for engagements and dialogue with national institutions and encouraged collective efforts and meaningful partnerships to drive positive change and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for Ghanaians.
“By investing in resilient institutions and promoting good governance, countries can enhance their security architecture and contribute to sustainable peace and development,” said Air Commodore David Akrong.
Ms. Jacinta Kwao, a representative from the German Technical Cooperation, noted that KAIPTC is strategically positioned to provide a platform for civic engagement, which is why the German Government, through GIZ, has supported and continues to support the Stakeholder Dialogue Series since its inception in 2021.
She emphasized the importance of civic engagement but noted the need for it to be accompanied by strong institutions that promote good governance, respect for the rule of law and human rights, transparency, and accountability.
The remarks from the representative of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), Mr. Justice Oman, focused on the need for Africans to engage constructively in governance processes to build strong, resilient institutions.
He indicated that an active African citizenry, matched with a responsive and accountable government, will facilitate the achievement of the African Union Agenda 2063, a 50-year blueprint for transforming Africa into a prosperous and peaceful continent driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.
The Panel Discussion at the third SDS sought to:
- Facilitate interdisciplinary discussions on the neutrality and independence of state agencies.
- Explore mechanisms to ensure peaceful and secure elections.
- Recommend measures to mitigate election-related violence and misinformation.
- Examine the impact of electoral malpractices on national security.
- Highlight the media’s role in educating the citizenry on their electoral rights and protecting electoral integrity.
The panellists included:
- Francis Osei Nsiah, Regional Director, Electoral Commission, Ashanti Region, Ghana;
- Imurana Mohammed, Director, Programmes, National Commission for Civic Education, Ghana;
- Erastus Asare Donkor, Broadcast Journalist and 2022 Journalist of the Year, Ghana;
- Faustina Nillan, National Director for Women and Children, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Tanzania;
- Victor Doke, Researcher, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Ghana; and
- Michael Osei Asibey, Institutional, Environmental and Development Planner and Lecturer, KNUST, Ghana (Moderator).
The third KAIPTC Annual Stakeholder Dialogue Series was organized in collaboration with the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and supported by the German Development Corporation (GIZ) and the Government of Norway.
Context and Rationale
The KAIPTC’s Annual SDS was inaugurated in March 2021 to create a platform for engaging clients, stakeholders, development, and institutional partners on pertinent peace and security issues. In line with this vision, KAIPTC and AACC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in February 2024 to support the operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Governance Architecture (AGA), and other AU regional mechanisms.
The second Stakeholder Dialogue Series was organized in March 2022 in Senegal and April 2022 in The Gambia under the theme: “Contributing to the Implementation of ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework: Promoting Partnerships with Civil Society Organisations on Peace and Security in West Africa.” It aimed to leverage the strengths of Civil Society Organisations to engage with relevant CSOs in West Africa to contribute to the implementation of ECOWAS’ Conflict Prevention Framework (ECPF).
Methodology
This year’s Stakeholder Dialogue Series is being conducted in two phases:
- Town Hall Meeting in Kumasi (July 15, 2024): Facilitated by KAIPTC, this meeting included stakeholders from the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), National Peace Council (NPC), National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), Electoral Commission (EC), security agencies, civilian experts, and media representatives. Discussions focused on conflict prevention, enhancing peaceful democratic culture, building strong institutions for electoral reforms, promoting dialogue, and enhancing reconciliation among political actors.
- Panel Discussion at the ECOSSOC Citizens Forum in Accra (July 17, 2024): Organized by AACC, KAIPTC, and AU ECOSSOC, this discussion will feature experts from faith-based organizations, civil society, government, and policymakers from AU Member States, focusing on issues relating to sustaining democracy and building resilient institutions in Africa.