Midrand – 18 November 2025 – The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) convened a joint policy dialogue at the APRM Continental Secretariat in Midrand, Republic of South Africa. The engagement brought together governance experts, researchers, and policy practitioners to reflect on democratic trends across the continent and explore opportunities to strengthen institutional resilience.
The meeting opened with welcome remarks from Mr. Dalmar Jama, Head of Strategic Planning at the APRM, who highlighted the importance of collaboration between research institutions and continental governance bodies. Mr. Jama noted that CDD-Ghana’s engagement with the APRM provides a valuable platform not only to learn about the Democracy Capture Index (DEMCAP index) but also to reflect on how such evidence can inform policy reforms, peer learning, and governance resilience across AU Member States. Further into his remarks, Mr. Jama expressed appreciation to CDD-Ghana for their continued contribution to governance research in Africa.
In his statement, Dr. Kojo Asante, Director of Policy Engagement and Partnerships at CDD-Ghana, explained that the purpose of the dialogue was to review the DEMCAP index, exchange updates on APRM governance tools, and explore concrete areas for collaboration. He emphasised that the Index offers a new and important lens through which to understand risks to accountability, institutional independence, and democratic participation on the continent.
Participants received presentations on the APRM Review Process and Governance Index by Dr. Sampson Osei, followed by an overview of the DEMCAP Index by Dr. John Osae Kwapong. The discussions examined the methodology behind the DEMCAP Index, the diversity of governance contexts across African countries, and the challenges involved in assessing institutional capture.
Participants also raised questions related to electoral fairness, the role of informal authorities, evidence validation, and the triggers that contribute to weakened democratic institutions.
Both APRM and CDD-Ghana identified opportunities for collaboration, including joint research, shared data initiatives, methodological refinement, and the potential for future continental dialogues on governance. Both institutions reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting evidence-based governance reforms and strengthening democratic processes across AU Member States.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: APRM Continental Secretariat at info@aprm-au.org.
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