Global State of Democracy wins worldwide media attention, while Ghanaian Parliament references report

Over the last three years, the report has been referenced by governments and organizations from the Finnish Innovation Fund (Sitra) and the European External Action Service to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and the UN Development Programme. Ghana’s speaker of parliament referenced analysis from the GSoD during a 2024 keynote address marking the University of Ghana’s 75th anniversary.

The address traced the evolution of democratic governance in Ghana and reflected on the role of the country’s parliament. The speaker’s reference to the 2023 GSoD report is evidence of its value for political leadership and its ability to reach holders of the most influential political offices. Even more encouraging is the fact that the speaker referred to the report in front of an audience of current and former students of the University of Ghana to get them to reflect on declining faith in democracy among younger Africans and to call on young people to take notice. 

The speaker delivered the message that Ghana’s Parliament must prove that it is capable of delivering on its mandate—holding the executive to account, reducing corruption and addressing societal challenges—thus highlighting the report’s role in institutional self-reflection and engagement with young people.