Mahama engages CSOs on Governance Advisory Council to deepen accountability

President John Dramani Mahama met with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Presidency. They discussed forming a Governance Advisory Council. This council is part of his 2024 election campaign pledge. It aims to improve accountability and governance in Ghana.

President Mahama explained the council's role. It will monitor and advise the government on human rights, corruption, and governance issues.

“This council is a commitment to the Ghanaian people,” he said. “It promises a more transparent and accountable government.”

He believes that combining civil society, religious leaders, traditional authorities, academia, labor, and citizens will create an effective mechanism for governance. This was stated in a press release after the meeting.

The President expects the council to act as an independent watchdog. It will produce an annual report on human rights, corruption, and governance in Ghana.

This report will be publicly accessible. It will help the government evaluate its progress and identify areas needing improvement.

"This annual report won't gather dust," President Mahama said during his campaign engagements in 2024.

"It will be a tool for change, holding us accountable on human rights violations, corruption, media freedoms, and crime."

Dr. Valerie Sawyerr is leading the effort to establish the Council as Senior Presidential Advisor for Governmental Affairs.