Mahama Reaffirms Ghana’s Commitment to Transparency Ahead of AU Peer Review
Swearing-in ceremony of members of the National African Peer Review Mechanism Governing Council (NAPRM-GC) by President Mahama.
Accra, Ghana- President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and democratic governance, declaring the country ready to undergo a comprehensive second-generation review under the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of members of the National African Peer Review Mechanism Governing Council (NAPRM-GC), the President described the APRM as a critical instrument for evaluating governance performance across African states and shaping reform priorities.
He announced that the newly constituted Council will lead Ghana’s review next week on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. “We are ready to participate fully and to lead this process,” President Mahama affirmed, signaling Ghana’s intent to position itself at the forefront of continental governance reform efforts.
The African Peer Review Mechanism, established within the African Union framework, provides a voluntary platform for member states to assess their governance systems in areas such as democracy, political stability, economic management, and socio-economic development. Ghana was among the early adopters of the APRM process and is now entering what has been described as a “second-generation review,” intended to assess progress made since its initial assessment and identify emerging governance challenges.
President Mahama emphasized that participation in the review reflects Ghana’s continued belief in institutional transparency rather than external pressure. He noted that peer evaluation strengthens domestic accountability systems and enhances public confidence in democratic institutions.
The newly sworn-in Governing Council is chaired by Ladyship Professor Akua Kuenyehia, a distinguished legal scholar and former judge of the International Criminal Court. In brief remarks, Professor Kuenyehia expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in the Council and pledged that the body would operate with independence, integrity, and strict adherence to the principles of transparency.
She assured that the Council would safeguard the credibility of the process and uphold the independence of governance institutions during the review.
Other members of the Governing 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, a composition that blends legal, human rights, and policy expertise.
Ghana’s participation in the upcoming APRM review comes at a time when governance reforms, fiscal restructuring, and institutional accountability remain central to national discourse. The Addis Ababa review is expected to assess progress in democratic consolidation, anti-corruption measures, economic management, and social inclusion.
By recommitting to the peer review process, the President signaled that Ghana intends not merely to participate but to actively engage in shaping continental governance standards.
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