Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana is prepared for its upcoming African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) governance assessment, reaffirming the country’s commitment to strong leadership and transparent public institutions.
Speaking at a recent event, President Mahama said Ghana looks forward to the APRM review as an opportunity to showcase its progress in governance, democracy, and socio-economic development. The APRM is a continental initiative that encourages African countries to assess and improve their political, economic, and corporate governance practices through peer review and shared learning.
What the APRM Is and Why It Matters
The African Peer Review Mechanism was established by the African Union to promote good governance, transparency, accountability, and sustainable development among member states. Countries that undergo the review commit to evaluating their public institutions, policies, and national strategies in key areas such as democracy, human rights, and economic management.
Participating nations are assessed by other African leaders, and the process is designed to encourage mutual learning and shared solutions for improving governance systems. For Ghana, the review provides an opportunity to highlight achievements and also identify areas that may need further attention or reform.
President Mahama’s Comments
President Mahama expressed confidence in Ghana’s preparations, noting that multiple government agencies and civil society organisations have been involved in the review process. He said that “Ghana has made important strides in strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing transparency, and promoting economic stability,” and that the APRM review would reflect those gains.
He also acknowledged that no country is without challenges, and that the APRM review is a useful platform for identifying issues that need continuous improvement. “We welcome constructive feedback and are committed to taking steps that will benefit all Ghanaians,” he said.
Stakeholder Involvement and Preparations
According to government officials, Ghana’s preparation for the APRM review included consultations with public sector agencies, non-governmental organisations, community groups, and experts in governance and development. These discussions helped gather information and evaluate key areas such as:
Rule of law and human rights
Public financial management
Anti-corruption measures
Economic policies and growth strategies
Social inclusion and service delivery
Civil society representatives who participated in the preparations highlighted the importance of such reviews in promoting accountability and citizen participation in governance. They emphasised that independent assessments can help expand public trust by showing where improvements have been made and where more work is needed.
Looking Ahead to the Review
With plans underway for the formal APRM evaluation, Ghana is expected to present detailed reports and host review panels with representatives from other African countries. The outcomes will be shared publicly, and follow-up actions may be recommended to support ongoing reforms.
Observers say the review is timely, as many African nations look for ways to strengthen democratic systems and improve economic resilience in a changing global environment. For Ghana, the APRM process could help reinforce the country’s position as a model of peaceful democratic practice in West Africa and beyond.
