CDD-Ghana launches international desk to enhance Africa’s democratic resilience

The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has launched an international desk to address evolving geopolitics in West and Central Africa.

The new desk seeks to examine the influence of foreign powers on African politics, economies, and societies, while highlighting the need for united African action.

The initiative, unveiled at the opening of a two-day regional convening on Foreign Powers, Interests and Impacts in West and Central Africa on Thursday, April 24, will also serve as a regional hub for civil society groups, the media, and policy actors.

It is expected to promote cross-border collaboration, capacity-building, and advocacy to amplify Africa’s voice in global affairs.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, the Center’s Director of Policy Engagement and Partnerships, said the desk presents an opportunity to reflect on the shifting geopolitical landscape in the sub-region and beyond.

Dr. Asante added that the platform will support African actors to develop strategies that ensure citizens benefit from emerging global trends.

“The launch of our long-overdue international desk will allow us to deliberate on the changing geopolitics in the sub-region and beyond, and to discuss ways to respond to it in ways that ensure the benefit of citizens in West Africa and other parts of the continent,” he stated.

Also addressing participants, Ambassador Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States, urged West African countries to assert their sovereignty amid growing global competition over the region’s security and development priorities.

“West African nations would need to develop the capacity and indeed be left alone, to engage multiple international partners without becoming captured by any single foreign agenda,” he said.

For his part, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, observed that terrorism has become the most urgent threat facing the region.

“Terrorism is by far the immediate and present existential threat to West Africa,” he stated.

He added, “The Al-Qaida and Islamic State affiliates in Africa… aim to control territory, run an economy (illegal mining, taxation and protection levy), operate an army and propagate culture (perverted Islam).”

As part of its mandate, the desk aims to produce data-driven research and policy analysis to inform public discourse and support African-led responses to foreign influence.

The Center has already collaborated with global institutions, published policy briefs, supported student research, and conducted a baseline study on foreign activities in West Africa—initiatives it says will lay the groundwork for future engagement.