Uganda APRM ends visit

Accra, July 30, GNA - Members of Uganda's African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) National Governing Council have ended a week-long working visit to Accra and Akropong in the Eastern Region. The delegation was led by Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Uganda's Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (FPED).

A statement signed by Ms Cornelia Amoah, Public Affairs Officer for the National African Peer Review Mechanism in Accra, said meetings were held with stakeholders including Ghana's Governing Council, the Deputy Minister for Foreign affairs, the National Commission for Civic Education and the District Oversight Committee of Akuapem North. It said Rev. Prof. S.K. Adjepong, Chairman of Ghana's APRM Governing Council, and members shared experiences in the dissemination of the Council's activities.

Funding for the inauguration of the remaining District Oversight Committees in the country was discussed and the need to publish APRM reports for national debate so as to address the challenges was also brought to the fore.

Prof. Kamuntu congratulated Ghana's Governing Council for her leadership role in the APRM process and paid glowing tribute to Ghana's first president Dr. Kwame Nkrumah for his vision, inspiration and exemplary leadership.

He added that Uganda was proud to "drink from Ghana's fountain of experience and happy to let Ghana know how deeply the rest of Africa appreciates her outstanding roles in many spheres."

The statement said Bishop Zac Niringiye, the Chairman of Uganda's Governing Council, commended Ghana's Governing Council for the District Oversight Committee Concept and the sense of commitment exhibited by members of the Akuapem North Committee during discussions. He said the selfless devotion on the part of members in spite of the voluntary nature of the Committee's membership was the spirit that defined the new African and inspired hope for the future.

Mrs. Solome Kimbugwe, the Vice-Chairperson of Uganda's APRM Governing Council, said though the country's Council had been at work since June 2008, she was eager to learn from Ghana's success story. She said benefits of the wide range of consultations and experience-sharing in Ghana were immeasurable, adding, they would contribute to her the country's success in good governance. 30 July 09