DUA Forum 2024
Written by Louisa Atta-Agyemang, Co-Chairperson, Democratic Union of Africa and the Hon. Tony P. Clement, P.C., Former Deputy Chairman, IDU
The Democrat Union of Africa (DUA) Forum, held from August 6-10, 2024, in Accra, Ghana, proved to be a landmark event, bringing together a diverse array of political leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the continent and beyond. This year’s forum, themed “Strengthening Democratic Institutions for Political Stability: Crafting Africa’s Response,” spotlighted the crucial role of resilient democratic institutions in fostering political stability and driving socioeconomic development across Africa.
The forum commenced on August 7 with a keynote address by the Hon. Tony Clement, former IDU Deputy Chairman, former Canadian Minister of Industry, and former President of the Treasury Board, setting the stage for the substantive discussions to follow. The Hon, Clement’s speech underscored the transformative potential of leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance campaign coalitions, a topic increasingly relevant in today’s digital landscape. But he also highlighted AI’s challenges for electoral integrity, which needs to be heeded around the world.
Day One also featured dynamic plenary sessions, including “Multi-actor Partnerships in the New Geopolitical Context: Accelerating Opportunities for Socioeconomic Development.” Esteemed speakers highlighted the necessity of cross-sector and cross-regional collaboration to tackle Africa’s complex challenges. Another key session, “Adaptive Campaign Strategies for Navigating the Modern Political Terrain,” provided valuable insights from both international and local political figures, emphasizing the need for adaptable strategies in contemporary political campaigns.
A notable highlight of the forum was the DUA Courtesy Call on H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana. During this meeting, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to democratic values and political stability, stressing the vital role of robust democratic institutions in achieving sustainable progress. The President’s remarks echoed the strategic importance of the forum’s objectives for both Ghana and the broader African region. Members of the DUA, led by Co-Chair Louisa Atta-Agyemang, extended their best wishes to President Akufo-Addo as his tenure as President of Ghana approaches its conclusion.
The second day of the forum featured a spotlight session on Togo, presented by Hon. Kokou Dodji Apevon (National President, Forces Démocratiques Pour La République in Togo), Amb. Bamba Youssoufou Joseph (Executive Secretary, Foreign Relations – PDCI-RDA in Ivory Coast), Hon. Fana Norman Mkhonza (Deputy Secretary General, African Christian Democratic Party in South Africa), Dr. Stefanie Brinkel (Resident Representative, Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation in Ivory Coast), and moderated by Mr. Isaac Jay Hyde (Deputy National Youth Organiser, New Patriotic Party in Ghana). Their discussion centered on safeguarding against power consolidation and promoting peaceful transitions of power.
The official opening event of the DUA Forum Day Two commenced immediately after with special remarks delivered by Dr. Holger Dix (Director, Regional Programme-Political Dialogue Sub-Saharan Africa of the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation), Chairman Peter Mac Manu (Former Chairman, DUA), and the Hon. Tony Clement. Co-Chairperson Louisa Atta-Agyemang’s address on democratic progress and challenges highlighted critical issues faced by many African nations.
H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana and the leader and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party delivered the keynote address. As the NPP’s Presidential candidate in the upcoming elections, he stressed the significance of democracy for sustainable development and urged political leaders and DUA members to unite in strengthening democratic institutions across the continent, emphasizing that the future of Africa depended on their collective efforts to uphold the rule of law and create opportunities for all.
The forum also included practical sessions, such as constituency visits on August 9 to the Ledzokuku and Akuapem North constituencies in Ghana. These visits provided insights into local dynamics influencing electoral outcomes, showcasing how national policies and strategies are executed on the ground. The focus on innovative voter engagement strategies aimed to address voter apathy and promote more inclusive political processes.
The 2024 DUA Forum was a unique and significant opportunity for networking and partnership-building, fostering collaboration across national and regional boundaries. Informal events, including dinners, encouraged dialogue and strengthened connections among participants. The forum concluded with a commitment to ongoing discussions on enhancing Africa’s democratic institutions, with the insights gained expected to influence future political strategies and initiatives.