Afrobarometer and the Government of Ghana have formally signed an agreement establishing the pan-African research network’s headquarters in Ghana, following parliamentary approval of the headquarters agreement in December 2025.
The agreement provides a structured framework to support the operations of Afrobarometer’s secretariat in Ghana while ensuring full respect for the country’s laws.
Afrobarometer, a nonpartisan survey network operating in more than 40 African countries, has spent over 25 years collecting and analysing public opinion data on democracy, governance, and quality of life across the continent.
The organisation’s research reflects the views of more than three-quarters of Africa’s population, making it one of the continent’s most trusted sources of citizen-based data.
Ghana reaffirms commitment to democratic governance
Speaking during the official handover ceremony in Accra, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, Chief Director of Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the agreement reflects Ghana’s continued commitment to democratic governance, evidence-based policymaking, and support for credible independent institutions.
She noted that Ghana’s democratic journey over the past three decades has been built on transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.
According to Iddrisu, institutions such as Afrobarometer play a critical role in ensuring governance is informed by the voices and lived experiences of citizens.
“Central to this progress is the recognition that sustainable governance must be informed by the voices and lived experiences of the people,” she said.
Afrobarometer terms the agreement a major milestone
Afrobarometer Board Chair Amina Oyagbola described the bipartisan parliamentary approval of the agreement as a significant milestone reflecting more than two decades of partnership between Ghana and the research network.
She said the agreement goes beyond legal formalities and represents a strong vote of confidence in Afrobarometer’s mission.
“This agreement is far more than a legal instrument; it is a vote of confidence in our work and a recognition that amplifying and listening to the voices of African citizens is a cause worthy of national support,” she said.
Oyagbola added that the deal provides the stability needed for the organisation to continue producing reliable evidence that supports democracy, accountability, and development across Africa.
Long-standing partnership with Ghana
Since its launch in 1999, Afrobarometer has worked closely in Ghana through its Core Partner, the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), which has conducted all 10 rounds of surveys in the country.
CDD-Ghana also oversees survey implementation across West, Central, and North Africa.
Over the past 26 years, Afrobarometer has strengthened Ghana’s research and policy capacity by training many Ghanaians in survey research, data analysis, and communication.
Its pre-election surveys conducted alongside CDD-Ghana have become an important part of Ghana’s electoral system, helping improve transparency, public trust, and the credibility of elections.
Economic benefits for Ghana
Afrobarometer established its secretariat in Ghana in 2019, citing the country’s favorable operating environment.
Since then, all grants for the network have been received and managed through Ghanaian financial institutions, contributing to foreign exchange inflows.
The organisation also invests heavily in local operations, supporting Ghana’s economy while boosting the hospitality, tourism, and services sectors.
Officials say the headquarters agreement further strengthens Ghana’s position as a regional hub for democratic research and policy engagement across Africa.