Sound governance is guarantee for dev't- Minister

Kumasi, July 28, GNA- Peace, security, good governance, and sound economic management are the major conditions necessary for the country's sustainable development, Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, has said.

He observed that it is for this reason that the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) must be lauded as it is a pledge by African leaders based on a common vision to tread the path of sustainable growth and development.


The NEPAD, he said, would also enable African leaders to participate actively in the world economy and body politic. Mr Boafo was opening the Ashanti Regional African Peer Review and Mechanism (APRM) forum in Kumasi on Wednesday.


Organised by the National APRM Governing Council, the forum was attended by more than 150 participants including members selected from the civil society, the public and private sectors.


Mr Boafo said the adoption of the APRM is an innovative monitoring and control system that would check wayward behaviour of governments. The Regional Minister urged the participants to disseminate the knowledge acquired at the forum to people at their workplaces and homes to enable them to appreciate the role and value of the APRM concept.


Dr Francis Appiah, Executive Secretary of the APRM Governing Council, said APRM aims at enhancing African ownership of its development agenda, identify, evaluate and disseminate the best practices in governance and foster political and economic growth. It also aims at using peer review to enhance the adoption and implementation of best policies.

Dr Appiah mentioned senseless coups, wars, conflicts, leadership failure, dictatorship, tyranny and oppression as some of the factors that militated against development of Africa.


The Executive Secretary said the prevalence of abuse of human rights including murder, torture, muzzling of the press, corruption and mal-administration were some of the main factors contributing to under-development in Africa.


The Most Reverend Paul Bamile, Catholic Bishop of Wa and a member of the APRM Governing Council who presided, said discipline, transparency, accountability and fairness are among the requisite qualities needed for good governance.


He therefore, advised the participants to share the APRM ideas to advance the good cause of the country.