MFWA Boss Urges Youth to Embrace Active Citizenship Beyond Voting

Mr. Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), has called on the youth to become active citizens.

According to him, active citizenship goes beyond merely declaring one’s nationality or casting a vote during elections. “Active citizenship is about placing Ghana above yourself and above partisan interests,” he stated.

He urged Ghanaians to move beyond voting by engaging in community activities, holding leaders accountable, and contributing meaningfully to policy debates. He emphasized that active citizenship is not just a status but a responsibility that requires prioritizing national interest over party agendas.

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Mr. Braimah made these remarks at the Akoto Ampaw Active Citizenship Dialogue 2026, held under the theme “Beyond the Ballot: Reclaiming Citizenship in a Polarized Ghana.” He cautioned that when partisanship outweighs national interest, democracy is weakened.

He further noted that the future of the country’s democracy largely depends on today’s youth. He encouraged young people to focus on issues rather than personalities, uphold unity and honesty, and promote social cohesion in order to build a nation all can be proud of.

 Eunice Racheal Agbenyadzi Head of Programmes at the STAR-Ghana Foundation, explained that the Dialogue—renamed in honour of the late activist and lawyer, Akoto Ampaw serves as a platform for citizens to share experiences and challenges in promoting democratic values.

She noted that the initiative is part of the legacy of a man who championed civil liberties, resisted authoritarianism, and advocated progressive democratic reforms.

According to her, the platform aims to inspire citizens to take deliberate actions for the betterment of society, stressing that active citizenship is not a one-time act but a continuous practice.

While outlining the challenges of civic engagement in a polarized environment, Mrs. Agbenyadzi underscored the need for citizens to reclaim their role in shaping Ghana’s democracy. She added that sustaining civic engagement beyond such dialogues requires bridging political divides, addressing common concerns, and demonstrating a strong commitment to the public good.

By; Latifa Carlos