The CDD Story

A journey of growth, milestones, and unwavering commitment to excellence since day one.

The Formation

The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) was founded in 1998, at a time when the Ghanaian democratic process was entering an important new phase, transitioning from an elected president and administration with military authoritarian antecedents to one without and when the democratic space had been opened up to a point where it was possible to set up an explicitly non-governmental democratic and political governance research and advocacy organization. 

1998

Institutional Foundation

Established in May by three founding fathers as an independent, non-profit think tank dedicated to championing democracy and good governance in Ghana.

1999

Inaugural Year of Full Operations

Formed a high-caliber Governing Council and professional team, rapidly expanding strategic training, networking, and peace-building research across West Africa.

Launch of Afrobarometer

Co-founded and launched Afrobarometer, a Pan-African survey research network tracking public opinion on democracy and governance.

2000

Establishment of CODEO

Founded the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), which became Ghana's largest independent election monitoring network.

Electoral Milestone Contribution

Provided vital data tracking and analytical support during Ghana’s historic 2000 multi-party political transition.

In 2018, CDD-Ghana celebrated 20 years of bridging research and practice to promote democracy, good governance, and inclusive development in Ghana and beyond.
This is how the journey started, as recounted by the Center’s three founding fathers.