Don't Politicize APR Findings

The African Peer Review Mechanism Report on Ghana is a reflection of Ghana?s collective achievements and failures under the Fourth Republican Constitution. It spans both the NDC and NPP era?s and therefore not regime specific, says Professor Gyimah-Boadi, a political scientist. Consequently, it should not be material for political recrimination and or propaganda.

Professor Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi, who is also a senior lecturer of the University of Ghana, said this in an interview with the paper in Accra.

He said that the report captures both the achievements and shortcomings of Ghana in the areas of democracy, good governance, economic and corporate governance and social development.

?The findings speak on the country Ghana and what she has obtained within the new democratic dispensation.?

Professor Gyimah-Boadi, who is also the executive director of the Centre of Democratic Development (CDD) said that the report also provides materials and the opportunity for positive advocacy and guidelines for reforms and improvement on democratic practices in Ghana.

He said that it was, therefore, unfortunate that some media and opposition reactions to the APR report are attributing the weaknesses cited to the current government.

The critics, according to him, have failed to recognize that the President embraced the idea of self-assessment fully and openly. He has also accepted the report without expressing reservations or disagreeing with the findings of the report.