• Forum to Spotlight Partnerships for Democratic Consolidation and Inclusive Development

The 2026 Ghana Civil Society Forum (GCSF) will be honoured by the participation of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, as Guest of Honour, underscoring the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in promoting democratic consolidation and national development.

The event will bring together over 800 participants from across Ghana and beyond to explore new approaches to partnerships, citizen engagement, and inclusive development.

Scheduled for 25–26 June 2026 in Accra, the Forum will be held under the theme: “Reimagining Partnerships for Democratic Consolidation and Inclusive Development.” The event is expected to convene civil society organisations, government representatives, development partners, academia, private sector actors, traditional and faith leaders, youth movements, media practitioners, and philanthropy institutions to engage in critical conversations about Ghana’s development future.

The Forum comes at a time when Ghana’s civic and development landscape is experiencing significant change. Traditional donor funding continues to decline, global development priorities are shifting, digital civic action is expanding, and citizens are increasingly demanding greater accountability, transparency, and inclusion in governance processes. At the same time, local organisations are seeking stronger ownership and leadership in shaping development outcomes.

Against this backdrop, GCSF 2026 seeks to move conversations beyond financing and resource mobilisation to address broader questions of ownership, leadership, accountability, and collective action. The Forum will examine how partnerships can be redesigned to become more inclusive, equitable, locally led, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of citizens.

The 2026 edition builds on previous discussions on civil society sustainability and development financing while providing a platform for stakeholders to explore practical solutions for strengthening democratic governance and advancing inclusive development.

The Forum will serve as a national convening platform for dialogue and collaboration, a policy and advocacy space for addressing issues related to civic space and governance, a partnership marketplace connecting diverse development actors, and a learning platform for sharing innovative approaches and experiences from across sectors.

Participants are expected from a wide range of sectors, including civil society organisations, community-based organisations, government ministries and agencies, Parliament, diplomatic missions, development partners, academia, research institutions, social enterprises, youth and student groups, faith-based organisations, traditional authorities, private sector institutions, and international non-governmental organisations.

As preparations intensify, the Forum’s organising partners are calling on institutions and organisations committed to governance, accountability, citizen participation, and sustainable development to support the event through strategic partnerships and sponsorships. Partnering with GCSF 2026 provides an opportunity for organisations to engage directly with key stakeholders, enhance brand visibility, showcase their work, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s democratic and development agenda.

The Ghana Civil Society Forum remains one of the country’s most important platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and collective action, bringing together diverse voices to shape a stronger, more inclusive, and accountable Ghana. Registration for the Forum is ongoing: https://register.eazytagg.com/K85p