When President John Dramani Mahama took the stage at the 2026 Ghana Civil Society Forum, his presence carried significance beyond the ceremonial opening of a national gathering. By choosing Ghana’s foremost civil society convening to unveil his vision for a new development compact, the President affirmed the increasingly strategic role of civil society as a partner in shaping the country’s democratic and development agenda.

Hosted under the theme “Reimagining Development Financing and Civic Action: Strengthening Civil Society’s Role in Shaping Ghana’s Future,” the Forum brought together more than 700 participants, including civil society organizations, government officials, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, academia, youth groups, philanthropy actors and the private sector. The diversity of voices reflected a shared commitment to finding sustainable solutions to Ghana’s evolving development challenges.

In his keynote address, President Mahama called for a new development compact anchored on stronger national ownership, accountable institutions and strategic partnerships between the state, citizens and development actors. At a time when traditional aid flows are declining and development financing is rapidly changing, the President emphasized the need for Ghana to strengthen domestic resource mobilization and build resilient institutions capable of driving inclusive and sustainable development.

His excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana

His message resonated strongly with the Forum’s central conversations. Throughout the two-day engagement, participants explored how civil society can adapt to a changing development landscape by strengthening local philanthropy, improving accountability, expanding civic participation and building partnerships that place citizens at the centre of national development.

Beyond the President’s address, the Forum demonstrated the growing importance of sustained dialogue between state and non-state actors.

Strategic partnerships 

The keynote speaker, Dr Esther Ofei-Aboagye, stressed that in re-imagining partnerships for democratic consolidation and inclusive development requires Ghanaians to reflect on how they work together as a democratic nation. This includes power relations, resource flow, policy influence and media engagement.  

With international funding declining, some civil society organizations (CSOs) are employing alternative resource mobilization approaches, including consultancy services, diaspora networks, philanthropy and individual citizen’s support. 

Dr Esther Ofei-Aboagye, Development Consultant and Governance Specialist delivering the keynote address

Dr Ofei-Aboagye highlighted the government’s launch of a Community Development Fund where all can contribute to national development. She also called on the central government to play a key role by establishing national co-funding or matching grants to support the work of CSOs.   

Furthermore, she encouraged CSOs to actively engage with the government’s new decentralization policy launched this year, while calling for progress on the Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) bill currently awaiting parliamentary approval.

The discussions reaffirmed that achieving Ghana’s development aspirations requires more than government action alone. It demands an active, coordinated and well-resourced civil society that can contribute evidence, mobilize communities, promote accountability and foster collaborative solutions to complex national challenges.

Eunice R. Agbenyadzi, Head of Programmes at STAR-Ghana Foundation moderating the plenary session

As Lead Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Forum, STAR-Ghana Foundation continues to provide a trusted platform where diverse stakeholders engage constructively on issues that matter to Ghana’s future. Through its convening role, the Foundation creates space for dialogue that bridges sectors, encourages collective action and strengthens the relationship between citizens and public institutions.

Reflecting on the significance of the Forum, STAR-Ghana Foundation’s Executive Director, Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, noted that when governments through society, the private sector and citizens work together in pursuit of a shared vision, they accelerate their democratic dividends and build a future in which every Ghanaian has the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive. He said, “Convening is not simply about bringing people into one room; it is about creating the conditions for collective action.”

Alhaji Amidu Ibrahim-Tanko, Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation delivering his remarks

His remarks underscored the Foundation’s commitment to creating trusted spaces where diverse actors can engage openly, challenge assumptions and co-create solutions.

The President’s participation underscored the credibility and influence the Forum has built over the years as a national platform for policy dialogue and civic engagement. More than an annual event, the Ghana Civil Society Forum has evolved into a space where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are forged and collective responses to national priorities are shaped.

As development financing continues to evolve globally, the conversations initiated at this year’s Forum point to an important reality: the future of Ghana’s development will increasingly depend on stronger collaboration between government, civil society, philanthropy, development partners and citizens themselves.

For STAR-Ghana Foundation, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to convening diverse voices, catalysing innovation and coordinating collective action to strengthen democratic governance and inclusive development. By bringing together those who influence policy, deliver services, mobilize communities and advocate for change, the Foundation continues to advance a more resilient, accountable and citizen-centred development ecosystem.

The conversations may have concluded, but the work has only begun. The ideas, commitments and partnerships forged at the 2026 Ghana Civil Society Forum will continue to inform collective efforts toward building a more inclusive, self-reliant and prosperous Ghana.