A new tool called the Democracy Capture (DEMCAP) Index, developed by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has been launched.
The tool aims to expose a subtle but significant threat to African democracies.
The DEMCAP Index is unique in its ability to measure and highlight vulnerabilities in democratic structures that allow special interests to exert undue influence, leading to policies that benefit a select few rather than the general public.
Addressing the media, Dr John Osae Kwapong, a Democracy and Development Fellow at CDD-Ghana, explained the index’s critical role in enhancing democracy.
According to him, the tool will be instrumental in enhancing the proper functioning of policymaking institutions and fostering truly inclusive democracy across the continent.
The core objective of the tool is to provide policymakers, civil society organisations, and citizens with a clear, evidence-based understanding of where and how democratic processes are being compromised.
Dr John Osae Kwapong assured that DEMCAP will empower stakeholders to implement targeted reforms that strengthen democratic resilience and ensure governance truly serves the people.
The launch was held on July 7, 2025, under the theme “Resisting Capture and Strengthening Democratic Resilience in Africa”.
It saw in attendance governance actors and stakeholders from across the sub-region to discuss vulnerabilities in democratic systems and strategies to counter undue influence by entrenched interests.
He acknowledged that although democracy capture is currently less prevalent among civil society and media institutions, they remain susceptible to future manipulation.
“When asked about their vulnerability to future capture, these institutions—particularly the media—ranked high,” he said. “In Ghana, when public discourse becomes highly partisan and polarised, we often look to these institutions to mediate and refocus the country on national priorities.”
On his part, Dr Kojo Asante, CDD-Ghana’s Director for Policy Engagement and Partnerships, noted that the main purpose for the DEMCAP Index forms part of a concerted strategy to rebuild democratic institutions and values.
“This report, along with other research initiatives, is part of a deliberate intervention to counter democracy decline, build resilience, and reimagine the future of democracy in Africa,” he said.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
