In all jurisdictions across the globe, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are the bedrock of a healthy democracy. Their mandate is sacred: to serve as the crucial bridge between citizens and the state, delivering essential services, advocating for issues for the marginalised, holding those in power to account, and fostering informed civic participation. They are not political affiliates; their allegiance is to principles, not parties.
In Ghana, however, a worrying trend is emerging. The post-election climate has seen a troubling shift in the posture of some CSOs and their leaders. Where impartiality should reign, entrenched partisan sympathies are taking root. The perception, and in some cases, the overt reality, is that core mandates are being sacrificed for political alignment with the current NDC administration.
This manifests in several ways: from becoming unofficial government spokespersons and defending its missteps, to retreating into silence only to re-emerge with selective praise, and weaponising criticism of the previous NPP government, even though they are not in power, as a tool for political point-scoring.
The justification some proffer, such as grievances over policies like the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) and the inability of the NPP government to heed their advice, while understandable, cannot legitimise the abandonment of balanced advocacy.
This is a perilous path they are charting; hence, they should be reminded that the path defeats the natural justice of democratic advocacy.
The credibility, respect, and ultimately, the societal value of a CSO are currencies earned through consistent, principled, and fearless independence.
When an organisation is perceived as an echo of the government of the day, just as it would be disastrous to be seen as an echo of the opposition, it ceases to be a bridge and becomes merely a loudspeaker. The public’s trust, once eroded, is exceptionally difficult to rebuild.
My message is not that CSOs must not engage or critique. Engagement is their lifeblood. Nor is it that they should withhold praise where the government merits it. But my message is one of caution and a call to refocus on the following and see them as their major anchor.
- That Your Power is in Your Principle: The authority of a CSO stems from its unwavering commitment to its mission. Every action perceived as partisan trading diminishes that authority.
Your position in society is secured not by which party you please, but by whose rights you defend and whose voice you amplify, consistently and without fear or favour.
- Accountability is Non-Negotiable: Holding power accountable is a 360-degree duty. A true watchdog barks at intruders regardless of their political colour. Selective silence or aggressive defence in the face of governmental missteps is an abdication of this core duty and a betrayal of the citizens who rely on your voice.
- Rise Above the Fray: The political space will always be charged with tension, internal party dynamics, and inter-party rivalry. CSOs must not be drawn into these battles. Criticising supporters of a candidate for demanding accountability, or using political internal affairs to fuel narratives, ventures far from the mandate of civic advocacy and into the arena of political combat.
- Remember Your Constituency: Your primary constituency is the Ghanaian people, the vulnerable, the marginalised, the communities in need of services, and every citizen seeking transparent governance.
When your public discourse appears more focused on teasing a past administration or defending a current one than on addressing these core needs, you have lost your way.
Finally, to the leaders and individuals within Ghana’s Civil Society: you carry a profound responsibility. The work you do is vital for our nation’s development and democratic resilience. In this moment, we urge introspection and a return to first principles.
Also, I also want you to guard your independence with jealousy. Let your actions be guided solely by your charter and conscience, not by political sympathy or grievance. The respect you command is your most potent asset. Do not let short-term alignments take it away. The nation needs its true watchdogs, now more than ever. Be the watchdogs that Ghana needs.
Happy New Year to cherished readers.
By Adjei Worlanyo Frank
