Accra, Ghana, 23–26 July 2024 — The APRM Continental Secretariat, in collaboration with Ghana’s National APRM Governing Council (NAPRM-GC), successfully hosted a four-day workshop focused on the development and harmonization of Ghana’s National Plan of Action (NPoA). This workshop marks a significant step in implementing the recommendations of the Targeted Review on Corporate Governance, setting a strategic course for addressing challenges, seizing opportunities and achieving both short-term and medium-term policy goals.

On July 22, a day before the workshop commenced, H.E. Amb. Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre, CEO of the APRM Continental Secretariat, and her team engaged in a productive meeting with the NAPRM-GC. During this session, Amb. Rose Quatre expressed her deep appreciation for the warm welcome and exceptional hospitality extended by the NAPRM-GC. She praised the strong collaborative spirit and dedication that defines the partnership between the APRM Continental Secretariat and the APRM national structures in Ghana. Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante, Chairperson of NAPRM-GC, emphasized the critical role of Corporate Governance in driving business development and economic stability in Ghana, highlighting how sound governance practices are essential for advancing the nation’s economic growth.

On July 23, an important media briefing was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. The briefing featured key insights from several prominent figures:

• Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, APRM CEO, praised Ghana’s leadership in the APRM process. “Ghana continues to set an exemplary standard on the continent,” she noted. She highlighted the unprecedented scope of Ghana’s Targeted Review on Corporate Governance and AfCFTA, conducted from February 27 to March 17, 2023. The review provided valuable insights into Ghana’s corporate governance landscape and demonstrated best practices essential for meeting AfCFTA commitments.
• Professor Emmanuel Asante, NAPRM-GC Chairperson, provided an overview of the workshop’s purpose, noting its importance in enhancing Ghana’s review request within the APRM process. He emphasized that while corporate governance is crucial for business empowerment, challenges such as policy gaps remain. The workshop was to address these gaps through collaborative efforts, significantly informing the NPoA.
• Mr. Jean Yves Adou, Acting Director of M&E at the APRM Continental Secretariat, outlined the NPoA’s objectives and its significance following the recent review. He explained how the NPoA aims to address governance challenges and promote sustainable development, stressing its role in driving positive change.
• Mr. Bachir Salifou Oumarou, Country Coordinator for Ghana at the APRM Continental Secretariat, presented the APRM process in Ghana, highlighting achievements and outlining future steps. His insights underscored Ghana’s progress and strategic direction for continued advancement.
• Mr. Patrick Osei, Chief Programme Officer at the National APRM Secretariat, summarized key findings from the Targeted Review Report. He provided essential insights into how these findings will guide future initiatives and the implementation of the NPoA, highlighting their impact on corporate governance and Ghana’s AfCFTA commitments.

These sentiments were reiterated on July 23 during the workshop’s opening, which brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government representatives, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, media, international partners, and subject matter experts.

The workshop was marked by dynamic working sessions and presentations that fostered in-depth discussions among participants. The successful harmonization of the NPoA and preparation of the report set the stage for future discussions. President Nana Akufo-Addo will present the findings and recommendations of the Targeted Review to fellow Heads of State and Government during an Extraordinary Summit of the APRM Forum later this year, showcasing Ghana’s progress in corporate governance and its impact on the AfCFTA agenda.

The workshop concluded with a sense of accomplishment, as participants expressed enthusiasm for implementing the action plan’s recommendations, anticipated to significantly enhance the well-being of the Ghanaian populace.