A team from the Inter Party and Civil Society Relations Directorate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) visited STAR-Ghana Foundation in Accra on July 16, 2024.

The team, led by Dr. Mary Awusi, explained that the visit marked the beginning of efforts to engage, collaborate, and improve communication between the party and civil society organizations (CSOs) to promote civic engagement and democratic values.

CSOs like STAR-Ghana engage voters to ensure they are informed about their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

Welcoming the team, the Executive Director of STAR-Ghana, Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, suggested that the Directorate should try to reach out to sub-national civil society organizations because they do a lot of mobilizations.

“If we are talking about inclusive governance, if you are talking about reflecting all citizens' issues in your manifesto, then it will be extremely useful to reach out to them. Though it may not be one-on-one, you can do it at the regional level,” he said.

He noted that civil society is often seen as a strategic partner before elections, but after parties win, they no longer engage.

Dr. Awusi assured that this would change and that they are going to engage more. She said that the inputs by STAR-Ghana Foundation to the Manifesto Committee would be reflected in the party’s manifesto.

Eunice Racheal Agbenyadzi, Head of Programmes at STAR-Ghana, corroborated that incorporating the inputs from the manifesto influencing initiative would give value to civil society-political party engagements.

She said the manifesto initiative has focused on issues of education, healthcare, and social protection.

A member of the Directorate, Kwame Zu, emphasized the importance of engaging beyond the manifesto.

He noted that civil society organizations and other actors can be useful in implementation and that the challenge is to mobilize the actors that matter beyond the policies.

“One unique aspect of this year’s manifesto committee is the key sub-committees. Civil society should see the NDC as a partner with a shared responsibility to develop the country.”

“We will incorporate your thoughts to add to what we already have to draw a proper roadmap towards the realization of the policy,” he said.

“Don’t see us as just a political party. You are natural allies, and it is supposed to be so into government. Engage us more; otherwise, once you begin to see us as a political party, you will shy away from the relevant inputs we should be taking from you."