São Tomé Prime Minister eulogises Ghana as cradle of democracy 

The Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe, H.E Americo Ramos has commended Ghana’s democratic credentials, describing the country as a shining example of democracy as manifested in the country’s general election of December 2024. 

The Prime Minister wile addressing the launch of the Africa political parties initiative in Accra on Friday March 7, 2025, commended the people of Ghana for once again through trough a successful election which saw the second coming of President John Dramani Mahama as President and stressed that Ghana could not be left out of the story of Africa’s fight against colonial rule and oppression. 

In his words, “The people of Ghana indeed proved to the entire world that their utmost resolve for a peaceful election and transition was in order to protect their very future. This is very commendable.”

While speaking on the need for African nations to unite and work together, he admonished African leaders to draw strength from Ghana’s founding President Dr Kwame Nkrumah. 

He was of the opinion that the African Political Parties Initiative of the Africa Governance Centre is a profound statement to exploring opportunities (left unexplored) which can cause transformational change for Africa owing to the Initiative’s resolve to identify solutions and to create platforms of engagement amongst political parties on the African continent and beyond. 

He was optimistic that the African Political Parties Initiative will make great strides in uniting the African people toward intensifying their efforts to achieve a better life for all and pledged his unflinching support regarding working with the Africa Governance Centre as it prepares for the main African Political Parties Summitin July. 

He also called on other political parties within the continent to position themselves to be a part of the African Political Parties Initiative. 

Addressing the summit, Executive Director of the African Governance Centre, Dr Nelson Oppong described the initiative as the culmination of the Africa Governance Centre’s mission to serve as a vehicle and platform for advancing governance, economic transformation, political cooperation and institutional development on our cherished continent.  

Participating in the event as well, was the President of the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America (COPPPAL), Alejandro Moreno who took the opportunity to commend the Africa Governance Centre for the groundbreaking work it is doing towards strengthening political participation and inclusion in Africa as well as the Caribbean in order to advance the course of democracy. 

According to Mr Moreno, “this initiative will serve as a meeting space for African political parties and a forum for exchanging experiences, reflections and strategies that will strengthen democracies and enhance the well-being of our societies.” 

He reaffirmed the commitment of COPPPAL the promote dialogue between partner regions in order to boos the gains of democracy.

Other dignitaries present at the event included The President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama, The Vice President, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, The Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe, H.E Americo Ramos, The National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah and members of the Diplomatic Corps. 

The African Political Parties Initiative is a flagship program of the Africa Governance Centre (AGC) aimed at strengthening democratic governance, political leadership, and party systems across the African  continent. 

The launch represents a precursor to the main Summit scheduled to be held in July this year. Although the paramount event of the Initiative is the annual Africa Political Parties Summit which is slated for July this year, it also boasts of other governance-focused activities and events such as the Youth in Politics Forum, Women Political Leadership Summit, Political Leadership Academy, Political Parties Governance Index, and the Diaspora Political Parties Exchange.

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