The Ford Foundation has reiterated its commitment to strengthening civic space, promoting democratic resilience, and empowering civil society across West Africa at the 3rd West Africa Civil Society Week (WACSW) 2025 in Accra.
Speaking on behalf of the Ford Regional Director for West Africa, Onyinye Onyemobi, Programme Associate at the Ford Foundation’s West Africa office, highlighted the Foundation’s long-term investment in civil society through its Weaving Resilience programme—a multi-year initiative aimed at enhancing the adaptability, influence, and sustainability of civil society ecosystems in the Global South.
“Democracy cannot thrive without an empowered and resilient civil society. If people lose faith in the systems meant to protect them, democracy becomes fragile. But when civil society is strong—organised, connected, informed, and able to hold power accountable—hope is restored, and democratic resilience is possible,” Onyemobi said.
The WACSW 2025 convened over 300 civil society actors, activists, and youth leaders from across the region. Co-hosted by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and Spaces for Change, with support from the Ford Foundation, the event addressed challenges including shrinking funding, rising insecurity, and political uncertainty.
Opening the conference, Dr. Nana Afadzinu, WACSI Executive Director, called for renewed civic energy driven by innovation, solidarity, and grassroots mobilisation.
“Citizens across West Africa continue to show remarkable courage and activism despite funding cuts and political pressures. This is the energy we must build on,” she stated.
Ghana’s Deputy Chief of Staff in-charge of Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, emphasised the critical role of civil society in sustaining democratic norms.
“Civil society is the heartbeat of democracy. Our region needs ethical, community-driven engagement and stronger civic-tech strategies,” she said.
Onyemobi also praised the leadership of WACSI, Spaces for Change, and the wider ecosystem of civic actors.
“We are proud to stand with you and invest in this ecosystem,” she affirmed.
Shifting focus from diagnosis to redesign, WACSW 2025 challenged participants to build new civic architectures capable of withstanding political shocks and misinformation, particularly by engaging youth movements, civic-tech innovators, and grassroots networks.
The Ford Foundation reaffirmed its support, pledging to help “power the resilience that will define the future of civic life and democratic possibilities in West Africa.”
