Governing Council of APRM briefs Editors Forum, on activities

Ghana has been scheduled for a second review under the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) next year.

Ghana was the first country to be reviewed under the Mechanism in 2006.

Other countries that have been reviewed for the first time include Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Algeria and Lesotho.

Reverend Professor Samuel K. Adjepong, Chairman of Governing Council of APRM announced this in Accra on Tuesday, when briefing members of the Editors Forum Ghana (EFG) on their operations.

He said the Governing Council had prepared an issue paper to guide the country’s second review which had been delayed due to financial difficulties.

Rev Adjepong explained that the APRM, a mechanism of self-monitoring tool aimed at addressing the leadership and governance challenges on the continent was a good thing that was adopted within the framework of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

He said the Governing Council was set up by the Government in 2004 as the main APRM focal point in Ghana to take concrete measures to oversee the implementation of the mechanism in the country.

In addition, it worked within the four main thematic areas: Democracy and Good Governance, Economic Governance and Management, Corporate Governance and Socio-Economic Development.

Rev. Adjepong said the Council had over the years partnered other Institutions like the Centre for Democratic Development, Private Enterprise Foundation, Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research and National Commission on Civic Education, to undertake research about people's understanding and the governance situation in the country, after which reports were presented to the APRM to aid in the reviewing of Ghana.

He noted that, Ghana “Has not performed badly under the APRM...the fact that government has allowed the Council to work and operate independently and bring out factual report is a good thing”.

Rev Adjepong said following a research finding, the Council advised government to abolish the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and directed that Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture Affairs should be established.

He said the Council played roles in the passage of some key legislation like the Whistleblower’s Act, Disability Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act as well as a review of the Companies Code and Ghana Investment Promotion Act.

On challenges facing the Council, Rev. Adjepong said decentralising APRM activities had been hindered due to financial difficulties and that six years after Ghana’s first review, public and stakeholders awareness and ownership was still minimal.

He therefore called on the media to help influence public perceptions and opinions through advocacy, sustaining of citizens interest in the APRM and governance issues.

Ms Adjoa Yeboah-Afari, Chairperson, EFG, said peer reviewing was one of its objectives and therefore had special interest in the activities of APRM.

She said there was the need for the media to partner the Council to disseminate issues of APRM and well inform the public, adding "More of such forums with the Governing Council should be organized".**