The true test of democracy is whether citizens feel heard — Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the strength of a democracy should not only be measured by periodic elections but by whether citizens feel represented and their concerns reflected in governance.

Addressing the Fourth Annual Convening of the Ghana Civil Society Forum in Accra on Thursday, June 25, Mr. Mahama noted that accountable institutions, responsive public policies and inclusive development remain critical indicators of a functioning democracy.

“The true test of democracy is not only whether citizens vote every four years; it is whether citizens feel heard, it is whether institutions remain accountable, it is whether public policy responds to the aspirations of the ordinary citizen, and it is whether development reaches every community and whether every Ghanaian believes they have a stake in our collective national future,” he said.

Mr. Mahama noted that Ghana has made significant democratic gains since the advent of the Fourth Republic, including peaceful transfers of power, stronger democratic institutions, a vibrant media landscape and increased citizen participation in public life.

He said these achievements should not be taken for granted and stressed the need to deepen democratic governance to ensure that development benefits all citizens.

The President also called for a shift in the way African countries approach development, arguing that the continent must increasingly rely on its own resources and capabilities.

“The future of Ghana’s development must increasingly be financed by Ghanaian ingenuity, by Ghanaian enterprise, Ghanaian innovation and by Ghanaian institutions. This does not diminish the importance of our development partners nor promote a concept of isolationism,” he stated.

Mr. Mahama explained that while the contribution of development partners remains important, Ghana must pursue a development model anchored on domestic capacity and national ownership.

He said the government's ongoing reforms, including prudent economic management, enhanced revenue mobilisation, economic diversification, export promotion and investment attraction, are aimed at building a resilient economy capable of supporting sustainable development.

The President further described civil society organisations as one of the strongest pillars of Ghana's democracy, noting that they have historically championed transparency, accountability, human rights and the protection of vulnerable groups.

He said many of the country's democratic achievements have been realised through the constructive engagement of civil society actors and called for continued collaboration to advance national development.