Mahama Swears In Members of National African Peer Review Mechanism Governing Council

Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has expressed Ghana's readiness to open up to a thorough peer review under the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) as he swears in members of the National African Peer Review Mechanism Governing Council (NAPRM-GC). He described the mechanism as an important exercise that gives Ghana the opportunity to assess progress made in interventions aimed at improving governance. The newly constituted Council is expected to lead Ghana's second-generation review during the African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this week. According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama recalled that Ghana was among the first countries to accede to, volunteer for, and undergo a comprehensive peer review as far back as 2006. He expressed pride in Ghana's democracy and accountable governance, which will be subjected to review by peers. The first review highlighted the wide development gap between the deprived northern belt and the south, contributing to the establishment of the Savannah A ccelerated Development Authority (SADA). The Authority was intended to support development interventions to reduce north-south migration. The President emphasized the importance of assessing the progress in addressing these inequalities and opening up opportunities in other parts of the country. The new Governing Council is chaired by Professor Akua Kuenyehia. In a brief remark, Prof Kuenyehia expressed gratitude to the President and pledged the Council's commitment to upholding transparency and the independence of governance institutions. Other members of the Council include Dr Joseph Whittal, Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ); Mr Joseph Obeng; Mr David Ofosu-Dorte; and Mrs Cornelia Amoah. The APRM, established in 2003 by the African Union, is a voluntary self-monitoring mechanism designed to promote good governance, political stability, and sustainable development. It facilitates national dialogue and self-assessment across four thematic areas: democracy and poli tical governance, economic governance, corporate governance, and socio-economic development.