Friends of the late human rights activist private legal practitioner, Akoto Ampaw, in collaboration with the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana (UG), held a public lecture on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, to honour his legacies.

The event, held on the University of Ghana campus in Accra, attracted many civil society organisations (CSOs), individuals, students, stakeholders from the judiciary and education sectors, foreign envoys, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“The Problems of Ghana’s 4th Republic” was the theme of the lecture, with Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh as the keynote speaker.

This lecture is the first in honour of Akoto Ampaw since he passed away last year.

Other speakers included Prof. Dodzi Tsikata from the University of London, Alhaji Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu from the Star Ghana Foundation, and Sulemana Braimah of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

They discussed “The Crisis of Civic Citizenship in Contemporary Ghanaian Democracy: Lessons from the Life and Times of the Late A. Akoto Ampaw” as the main topic of the lecture.

Also at the event was renowned journalist Prof. Kwame Karikari, who spoke on the current electoral climate. He raised concerns about how politicians are handling this year’s election and criticised political parties for not addressing the country’s biggest environmental threat: galamsey.

He stated, “For the 9th time, Ghanaians are once again in the 4th Republic gearing up to vote and elect a president and parliamentarians. The major political parties and a few new entrants are haranguing the people for their votes, but what is the nature, character, and essential import of democracy that was promised by the 4th Republic?

“In an election campaign, political parties refuse to address major essential issues such as galamsey because they fear losing votes, as their leaders and financiers are beneficiaries of galamsey,” Prof. Karikari said.

On his part, keynote speaker Prof. Kwasi Prempeh eulogized the late lawyer Ampaw, praising his contributions to the growth of democracy, law, and human rights issues in Ghana and beyond.

“Akoto Ampaw indeed spent a great deal of his time working to ensure our democracy and its institutions served the needs and interests of all citizens. His work extended beyond the shores of his homeland, Ghana,” he said.

Prof. Dodzi Tsikata, in her address, also praised the late lawyer and highlighted some of his legacies. She called for improvements in Ghana’s democracy and inclusion.

She raised concerns about media freedom in the presence of democracy, stating, “Take the media, for example. Attacks on media personnel by party political operators have become quite rampant and alarming, and this should be totally condemned and resisted.”

Sulemana Braimah, also speaking on the topic, addressed irregularities in this year’s campaign activities and illegal mining.

According to him, institutions mandated to ensure checks and balances in the democratic system are underfunded and struggle to execute their responsibilities.

“The issues of our institutions, institutions of democracy the judiciary, parliament, the executive, the police, and the NCCE for example is the least funded institution in our country and perhaps the most important institution, if you look at the constitutional responsibilities for the NCCE but even towards elections their struggling” Sulemana said.

He therefore called for accountability in the system to ensure democracy and equitable development.