Participants in the civic engagement workshop at Tamale
In an effort to bolster civic engagement in Ghana’s constitutional review process, the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) hosted a workshop at the University for Development Studies in Tamale, providing citizens, particularly at the grassroots, with the capacity to effectively engage in the constitutional review process.
The workshop, organised under the theme, “Bridging the Gap: Citizen Engagement in Ghana’s Constitutional Review Process,” was part of IDEG’s ongoing mission to foster grassroots involvement in governance and institutional reforms. It brought together diverse participants from across the five regions in Northern Ghana.
At the session, which was facilitated by Mr Douglas Quartey, a Development Consultant at IDEG, participants were introduced to concepts on effective advocacy, including the development of position papers as a critical tool for citizens aiming to influence policy during the review process. Mr Quartey provided practical guidance on developing and presenting position papers that articulate community interests and priorities that require changes.
“Tailoring your communication to your target audience, whether it is the local assembly, MP, traditional or faith leaders, is key to ensuring your message is heard and also acted on by the people who matter,” he stated. He therefore urged the participants to prioritise clarity, relevance, and impact in their proposals.
The interactive format encouraged active learning, with participants working in groups to draft their own position papers. For many participants, the workshop marked a turning point in their confidence and capacity to engage in public discourse.
One first-time participant reflected, “At first, I was nervous about presenting in front of everyone because I am naturally shy. But thanks to the encouragement and support from my teammates, I was able to overcome my fear of speaking in public to present a position paper.”
The workshop, which was funded by Oxfam, also deliberated on a wide range of citizen-driven recommendations that will inform ongoing consultations with the CRC, reinforcing the importance of civic participation in shaping Ghana’s democratic future.
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