The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) has organised a validation workshop on Ghana’s Revised Targeted Review Report on corporate governance, with a focus on its potential to boost the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The two-day workshop held in Accra was attended by officials from the ministries, departments and agencies, academia and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the APRM Continental Secretariat, Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre.
It was on the theme: “Corporate Governance as a Catalyst for the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area”.
The objective of the workshop was to update the country’s Revised Targeted Review Report validated in 2024 with new policies and activities from the government and various ministries to ensure it reflected current developments.
A final report will be prepared to be peer reviewed by President John Dramani Mahama at the Forum of Heads of State and government in 2026.
Ghana’s Revised Targeted Review Report
In 2023, the country underwent a targeted review, providing recommendations for strengthening the country’s corporate governance landscape and demonstrating best practices essential for meeting AfCFTA commitments.
However, a new administration assumed office after two years passed, creating a significant political, economic and policy shift.
Corporate governance
In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and APRM Focal Point, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the country often stood at the forefront when it comes to shaping Africa's developmental journey.
He stressed that APRM had evolved into more than a review mechanism and had become a continental instrument for policy learning, mutual accountability and reform.
“Today, Ghana remains proud to lead by example. We embrace this updated targeted review as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the transparent and accountable governance and to prepare for the next important milestone, the peer review of His Excellency the President of the Republic at the Forum of Heads of
State and government early next year,” he said.
He stated that the implementation of the AfCFTA was beyond trade protocols as it demanded a robust corporate governance, conducive regulatory environment, transparent institutions and the active involvement of all stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society.
He said the dynamics of governance had evolved, making it imperative that the findings of the 2023 report be revisited, updated and validated to reflect the country’s current governance landscape realities.
Mr Ablakwa commended the Ghana National APRM Secretariat for its unwavering commitment and professionalism in coordinating the country's APRM processes.
“Over the years, the Secretariat has demonstrated exemplary leadership and technical expertise in conducting government assessments, facilitating inclusive stakeholder consultations and ensuring that Ghana's reviews were participatory, evidence-based and national-owned,” he said.
APRM
The Chief Programme Officer of the APRM, Ghana Secretariat, Patrick Adu Osei, reiterated that a South African team engaged with the country’s private sector, government, and non-governmental organisations to inform the Revised Targeted Review Report.
Mr Osei said the revised report reflected the country’s governance progress, backed by extensive consultations and empirical evidence.
