The Center for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana) has concluded a two-day sensitization workshop for Muslim and Christian leaders in the Savannah Region, focusing on democracy, human rights, and the protection of all persons, including sexual minorities.
The workshop, held at the Jabote Conference Hall in Mole National Park on September 29-30, 2025, brought together religious and faith-based leaders from across the region for discussions on constitutional provisions, international human rights obligations, and Ghana’s duty to protect fundamental rights.
Three facilitators led participants through extensive sessions covering foundational values and beliefs, the Quran, the Bible, and human rights. Mr. William Nyarko, Executive Director of the Africa Center for International Law and Accountability; Dr. Michael Augustus Akagbor, Programs Manager for Human Rights and Social Inclusion at CDD-Ghana; and Prof. James Dzisah Richard explored topics including Ghana’s constitutional provisions on human rights, the African human rights system, and international instruments to which Ghana is a state party.
Dr. Akagbor told the media that the workshop is part of CDD-Ghana’s social dialogue series under its Human Rights and Social Inclusion program, which has been engaging religious leaders across the country. The Savannah Region marks the ninth region to host such a program and represents a significant milestone as the first region where the organization has engaged with Muslim clerics alongside Christian leaders.
“Savannah Region is predominantly an Islamic-dominated region,” Dr. Akagbor explained, noting that previous workshops in eight other regions had focused solely on Christian clerics.
The Programs Manager expressed satisfaction with the workshop’s outcomes, stating that the feedback exceeded his expectations. He highlighted participants’ critical examination of pending legislation, particularly their concerns about a bill that could have far-reaching implications beyond its stated targets.
“The participants’ comments on how they see the bill to be passed as problematic, considering that it endangers every Ghanaian and not only just LGBT persons, was very eye-opening,” Dr. Akagbor said.
He emphasized that many participants who had not previously engaged with the bill’s content came to realize there were aspects that warrant greater awareness beyond media narratives.
(Audio of Dr. Micheal Akagbor)
The Savannah Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Amadu, acknowledged the workshop’s impact on his understanding as a community leader. He committed to promoting peace and harmony with all persons and pledged to share the knowledge gained with his followers and household.
(Audio of Savannah Regional Chief Imam)
Pastor Joseph Atta Achintri, Secretary of the Damongo Local Council of Churches, expressed gratitude to CDD-Ghana for the impactful program. He assured that participants would relay the information to members of their various congregations across the region.
(Audio of Pastor Joseph Atta Achintri, Secretary of Local Council of Churches)
CDD-Ghana is an independent, not-for-profit research and advocacy think tank dedicated to promoting democratic consolidation, good governance, and inclusive growth and development. The organization uses evidence-based research, partnerships, and dialogue to inform and influence public policy while strengthening democratic governance and public accountability in Ghana.
