This 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 convened governance actors and stakeholders from across the sub-region to discuss vulnerabilities in democratic systems and strategies to counter undue influence by entrenched interests.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, Democracy and Development Fellow at CDD-Ghana, noted 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.”

Dr. Kojo Asante, CDD-Ghana’s Director for Policy Engagement and Partnerships, highlighted the broader significance of the DEMCAP Index as 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.

The DEMCAP Index serves as a new tool for measuring and addressing systemic weaknesses that permit powerful individuals or groups to distort democratic processes and undermine good governance.

Through the index, CDD-Ghana aims to stimulate reforms and foster collaboration among democratic actors to preserve the integrity of institutions across the continent.