The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has issued a clarion call to media outlets and Civil Society Organisations across Africa to strengthen their role in resisting the growing threat of democracy capture on the continent.

The appeal was made during the launch of the inaugural Democracy Capture Index (DEMCAP Index) on July 7, 2025.

Held under the theme “Resisting Capture and Strengthening Democratic Resilience in Africa,” the event brought together key governance actors and stakeholders from across the sub-region to examine vulnerabilities in democratic institutions and explore solutions to the increasing influence of entrenched interests.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, Democracy and Development Fellow at CDD-Ghana, cautioned that while media and civil society organisations currently show lower levels of capture, they remain vulnerable to future political and financial manipulation.

“Civil society and media play a critical watchdog role, but we must acknowledge the risk of co-optation if proactive safeguards are not in place,” Dr. Osae-Kwapong warned.

Dr. Kojo Asante, CDD-Ghana’s Director for Policy Engagement and Partnerships, emphasized that the DEMCAP Index is part of a broader strategy to fortify democratic institutions and reverse the trend of democratic backsliding across the continent.

“This report, along with our other research efforts, forms part of a deliberate intervention to counter democracy decline, build institutional resilience, and reimagine the future of democratic governance in Africa,” Dr. Asante stated.

The DEMCAP Index aims to provide an evidence-based framework for assessing how power is concentrated and exercised in ways that threaten democratic norms.

It will serve as a tool for reform-minded actors to identify and respond to signs of democratic erosion early.