By Edward Acquah, GNA
Accra, Oct. 28, GNA – The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), a German political foundation, has called for collective action to address mounting pressures on democratic institutions amid technological change and persistent economic and social inequalities.
It said changing patterns of political participation and other emerging challenges required sustained dialogue, cooperation and inclusive engagement.
Mrs Anna Wasserfall, Country Representative of KAS Ghana, made the call at the launch of activities to commemorate the foundation’s 60th anniversary in Accra on Tuesday.
She said the foundation’s work over the past six decades had been supported by partnerships with political institutions, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, academic and religious institutions, and individuals committed to democratic development.
“Challenges that no single institution, no single organisation, and also no single country can address alone. They do require dialogue. They require cooperation. And they require the willingness to engage with different perspectives and to find common ground,” she said.
Mrs Wasserfall said the anniversary theme, “Six Decades of Democratic Dialogue: Shaping Political, Social and Economic Development Together,” reflected the importance of collaboration in addressing Ghana’s development challenges.
She said the foundation’s contribution to Ghana’s development had been made possible by partners who had shared their knowledge, experiences and ideas over the years.
Mrs Wasserfall said the anniversary offered an opportunity to celebrate past achievements and reflect on how the foundation and its partners could respond to emerging challenges.
Professor Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), said the partnership between the two institutions had supported policy discussions, citizen participation and political leadership development.
He said GIMPA valued evidence-based policymaking, ethical leadership and strong public institutions.
Prof Bonsu said sustained collaboration among government, political parties, the private sector and civil society was necessary for national development.
Prof Isaac Owusu-Mensah, Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana, said KAS had adapted its programmes over the years while maintaining its focus on developing people.
Dr Joseph Darmoe, Programme Director of KAS Ghana, said the foundation’s future work would prioritise local ownership of ideas, planning and results to ensure that its programmes translated into meaningful social change.
KAS began operations in Ghana in 1966, initially working in agriculture, health and education.
Its activities have since expanded to include civic education, political dialogue, democratic governance, the rule of law and economic development.
The foundation works with political parties, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, universities and other institutions to promote democratic participation, strengthen governance and support public policy development.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Edward Acquah