From 20 to 24 February 2024, a Steering Committee composed of six experts convened in Accra, Ghana, to finalise the Learners’ Manuals developed for the implementation of the pilot phase of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) integration initiative.

The meeting brought together specialists in civic education, curriculum development, governance, and democratic engagement to conduct a comprehensive review and harmonisation of the training materials intended for use in participating pilot countries. Discussions focused on ensuring that the manuals reflected the principles and values enshrined in ACDEG while remaining pedagogically accessible, context-sensitive, and adaptable to different national education systems.

Throughout the sessions, committee members examined the structure, content, and methodology of the manuals, identifying areas for refinement and proposing recommendations aimed at strengthening their effectiveness and practical application. Particular attention was given to the promotion of democratic culture, active citizenship, constitutional values, and civic responsibility among younger generations through inclusive and participatory learning approaches.

The meeting concluded with the formulation of a set of recommendations and technical adjustments to support the improvement and finalisation of the Learners’ Manuals ahead of their implementation in pilot countries throughout 2024. The outcome of the workshop represented an important step in advancing the broader objective of mainstreaming democratic governance and civic education principles within educational systems across the region.