African media, civil society gain powerful resource against threats
The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has launched the inaugural Democracy Capture Index (DEMCAP Index), urging African media and civil society to resist rising threats of democratic erosion.
Unveiled in Accra on 7 July 2025, the Index measures institutional susceptibility to control by ‘powerful actors’ for political or personal gain.
Dr John Osae-Kwapong, CDD-Ghana Democracy Fellow, warned that while media and civil society currently face lower capture risks, their vulnerability remains high amid partisan polarisation.
‘When public discourse fractures, we rely on these institutions to refocus on national priorities,’ he stated, emphasising vigilance against political or corporate manipulation.
Dr Kojo Asante, Director of Policy Engagement, framed the Index as a strategic tool to counter democratic decline and build resilience. The launch convened West African governance stakeholders, positioning the Index as a benchmark for institutional reforms.
This article was first published here
