Former Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has expressed the need for Ghanaians to participate in active citizenship.
According to him, the importance of participation in all aspects of governance and development cannot be overemphasized. To this end, he revealed that it is time for citizens to get involved in answering the numerous questions begging for answers and solutions.
Dr Chambas indicated that active citizenships work hand-in-glove with the government and other stakeholders to identify priorities, establish goals and implement policies that generally reflects the needs of the people. The outcome, he explained, is a more inclusive and equitable development process that is truly inclusive.
“I trust that my emphasis on the importance of active citizenship in findings solutions to our development challenges does not in any way diminish the critical role of the state, and in particular elected governance in setting the agenda for active citizenship. A capable state has a pivotal responsibility to actively empower its citizens to engage in active citizenship… By fostering active citizenship, we empower our fellow Ghanaians.”
Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas
Speaking on the theme, ‘Empowering citizens and enriching nation-building: Fostering active citizenship for sustainable development in Ghana’ today, November 10, 2023, Dr Chambas stated that Ghana, a land endowed with abundant resources and a rich cultural tapestry has achieved remarkable milestones over the years.
However, he noted that it must be acknowledged that the country still confronts an array of challenges including widespread poverty, inequality, governance deficits, natural resources mismanagement, climate change, and an unequal international system which is the context in which the country operates.
Additionally, he emphasized that tt is amidst these challenges that Ghanaians must grasp the transformative potential of active citizenship.
“Today, Ghana, despite the strides it has made in democracy and good governance, is confronted with a new set of challenges. These challenges I wouldn’t term new because they encompass a blend of issues dating back to pre-colonial times and contemporary challenges arising from our evolving practices.
“However, one fundamental reality is evident – we are yet to fully harness, the potential of democracy as a catalyst for sustainable development. There are still many questions that need to be answered…”
Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas
Relevance of active citizenship in Ghana
Furthermore, Dr Chambas highlighted that typical elements of good governance have either stalled or regressed over the past decade.
Highlighting the problems confronting the nation, he underscored that Ghana’s performance in the corruption perception index has plateaued with a persistent score of 43 out of 100 for the third consecutive time, as reported by Transparency International.
Subsequently, the former UNOWAS head stated that the country has equally witnessed its poorest ranking in press freedom in 17 years according to the press freedom index by Reporters Without Borders.
“Some contemporary issues such as the fight against terrorism in the Sahel, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, climate change crisis and the recent COVID-19 pandemic are compounding the challenges we face. We are experiencing increasing adverse weather events, which exacerbates the vulnerabilities in our communities.
“Recent floods in Accra and other parts of the country, most recently in Lower Basin of the Volta Lake attests to this. The drawbacks by the global COVID-19 have been enormous, causing increased levels of poverty, economic decline, and autocratic tendencies in many countries…”
Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas
Reflecting on the country’s history and pressing challenges faced today, Dr Chambas emphasized a crucial factor that has consistently played significant role in how Ghanaians have not only confronted challenges but have also triumphed over them.
That factor, he revealed, is the same one that led the country to gain independence from colonial rule to restore democracy and rule of law during periods of military dictatorship, which is active citizenship.
“It is abundantly clear that there is an urgent demand for citizen-driven initiatives and actions today. This kind of initiatives and actions are what we refer to as active citizenship which entails participation in all aspects of governance and development – I must add, with a steadfast commitment, with the pursuit of sustainable development that leaves no one behind.”
Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas
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