Economic Indicators Still Weak - Annan

Accra Mr Justice Daniel Francis Annan, speaker of parliament, today said despite the fact that no major political obstacles seem to threaten the democratic process, ''the economic imperative is still crying for attention.'' He, therefore, called on the international community and relevant agencies to support institutional growth and socio-economic expansion to enhance democracy and good governance in Ghana.

Mr Justice Annan was speaking at a three-day national conference on governance in Ghana jointly organised by Parliament and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He said if good governance is about the development of man in society, then socio-economic development as the ultimate goal of good governance should not be lost sight of.

The speaker said the institutional framework is vital but these serve as a means to an end. ''But in the final analysis, the surest protection or defence for the institutions of democracy and good governance must be their ability to deliver on the promise of development.''

Mr Justice Annan said a programme for good governance need donor support for the executive to discharge its functions and responsibilities as well as for independent non-partisan political bodies which have constitutional rights for the conduct of elections, civic education, among others.

Parliament also needs support for capacity building, for research, library and information systems and the development of its committees especially in the areas of public finance and accounts, trade and industry, among others, and for networking with other parliaments.

The speaker further called for donor support for the judiciary and its staff to expedite the judicial process and reduce the cost of litigation, and to provide law reform programmes and continuing legal education for its personnel.

He said in the progress towards the goal of good governance, there should be a recognition for a unifying spirit of nationalism amidst traditional diversity of powers of the executive, the legislature and the juciaciary.