The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) as a Tool to Improve Governance? Experience in Ghana (original) (raw)

Weak governance has been identified as one of the obstacles for development, particularly in African states. Western development partners, but increasingly also African institutions, are searching for ways to support positive governance practice and aspire to highlight good practice in governance in Africa. Ghana is usually regarded as a 'good performer' both in economic and-not less so-in political terms. The country cultivates a self-perception of being "the frontrunner" in Africa: the first to have won independence, the first to have re-emerged from prolonged authoritarian and military rule with a successful transition to democratic rule. And, since January 2009, the first to have seen two peaceful and democratic changes in government in a row. In brief, Ghana appears to be amongst the first to look at when one wants to see 'good news' from Africa. The country also seized an opportunity to be the first with the NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa's Development) initiative of an African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). This study looks into Ghana's experience with the process and its follow-up in the West African country.