President John Dramani Mahama has met with representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Presidency to discuss the formation of a Governance Advisory Council, a central campaign pledge aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and democratic governance in Ghana.
The council, Mahama explained, will serve as an independent watchdog, monitoring human rights, corruption, and governance practices.
It will produce an annual public report assessing the government’s performance in these areas, with the goal of fostering improvement rather than merely issuing critique.
“This council is a commitment to the Ghanaian people,” Mahama said. “A promise to foster a more transparent and accountable government.”
The President emphasized inclusivity in the council’s composition, proposing it include civil society leaders, religious and traditional authorities, academics, labour representatives, and ordinary citizens, a broad coalition to reflect national values and aspirations.
“This will be a living, breathing instrument for change,” Mahama reiterated, referencing a similar promise made during his 2024 campaign.
“It will hold us accountable and push us to do better on critical issues—from media freedoms to the fight against torture and crime.”
Dr. Valerie Sawyerr, Senior Presidential Advisor for Governmental Affairs, has been appointed to lead efforts to establish the council.
