Mahama Inaugurates NAPRM Governing Council Ahead of Historic Second-Generation Peer Review

In a significant move to reinforce democratic accountability, President John Dramani Mahama has formally sworn in the newly constituted National African Peer Review Mechanism (NAPRM) Governing Council. The ceremony, held at the Jubilee House on February 10, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s engagement with the African Union’s premier governance framework, occurring just days before the nation undergoes its landmark second-generation peer review. This action underscores Ghana’s proactive stance in subjecting its governance systems to rigorous, periodic continental scrutiny.

Introduction: A Milestone in Continental Governance

The inauguration of the NAPRM Governing Council is not merely an administrative formality; it is a strategic reaffirmation of Ghana’s role as a pioneer and committed leader within the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). The APRM, a voluntary self-monitoring instrument of the African Union, is designed to foster political stability, economic growth, and sustainable development through the promotion of democratic principles and sound corporate governance. By reconstituting its national governing body, Ghana is ensuring it has the independent, expert oversight necessary to navigate the complexities of the upcoming second-generation review—a process more demanding and comprehensive than its predecessor. This event highlights a national commitment to transparency, self-assessment, and the continuous improvement of governance institutions.

Key Points: What You Need to Know

• Event: President John Dramani Mahama swore in the new National African Peer Review Mechanism (NAPRM) Governing Council on February 10, 2026.
• Timing: The inauguration precedes Ghana’s second-generation APRM peer review, scheduled for the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• Council Leadership: The council is chaired by Professor Akua Kuenyehia, a distinguished jurist and former First Vice-President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), signaling a commitment to impartiality and high-caliber analysis.
• Core Mandate: The Council provides independent oversight for Ghana’s self-assessment report and subsequent peer review by other AU member states.
• Review Focus: The second-generation review will assess the implementation of previous APRM recommendations and address emerging challenges like digital governance and climate resilience.
• Strategic Context: The government frames the APRM as central to its “Accra Reset” agenda, using it as a mirror for evaluating political, economic, and corporate governance.

Background: The APRM and Ghana’s Pioneering Role

The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Explained

The APRM was established in 2003 as a self-monitoring instrument by the African Union. Its core objective is to promote adherence to and fulfillment of the commitments made by member states in the areas of democracy, political governance, economic governance, and corporate governance. It operates on the principle of peer learning and peer pressure, where countries voluntarily submit to reviews by a panel of eminent persons from other African states. The process involves a country-led self-assessment, followed by a validation mission and a final peer review at the level of Heads of State.

Ghana: The First and a Persistent Leader

Ghana made history in 2006 by becoming the first country globally to undergo the APRM review. This initial review provided a baseline assessment of Ghana’s governance landscape, identifying both strengths and areas needing reform. The subsequent recommendations influenced significant national dialogues and reforms in areas such as public financial management, electoral processes, and anti-corruption strategies. Over the years, Ghana has undergone periodic reviews, using the mechanism as a tool for continuous self-improvement and as a benchmark for its democratic credentials on the international stage.

The Evolution to Second-Generation Reviews

The APRM process has evolved. The “second-generation” review represents a more mature and rigorous phase. While the first review focused on establishing a baseline and identifying broad challenges, the second-generation review critically evaluates the implementation of previous APRM recommendations. It also expands its scope to address new and emerging governance challenges that have gained prominence since the first reviews, such as the governance of artificial intelligence, data protection, climate change adaptation, and the management of extractive industries in a transparent manner. This shift makes the process more action-oriented and demanding.

Analysis: Strategic Implications of the 2026 Review

The inauguration of this specific council, with its prestigious leadership, and the timing ahead of the review, carry several layers of strategic importance for Ghana.

1. Signaling Independence and Credibility

The appointment of Professor Akua Kuenyehia as Chairperson is a deliberate and powerful signal. As a former high-ranking judge at the International Criminal Court, her reputation for integrity, legal acumen, and international stature is impeccable. Her leadership is intended to project an image of a process that is beyond political manipulation, ensuring the credibility of Ghana’s self-assessment and the subsequent peer review findings both domestically and internationally. The composition of the council—including the head of CHRAJ, representatives from the business community, and experts in law and communications—aims to provide a multidisciplinary and balanced perspective.

2. Aligning with the “Accra Reset” Agenda

President Mahama explicitly linked the APRM to the “Accra Reset” agenda, positioning the mechanism not as a foreign imposition but as a vital domestic tool for national renewal. The APRM report serves as an objective, externally validated “mirror” to assess progress on governance reforms. This framing helps to domesticate the process, making it relevant to Ghanaian citizens and aligning continental commitments with national development plans.

3. High-Stakes Diplomacy and International Reputation

Conducting a successful second-generation review is a matter of significant diplomatic importance. It allows Ghana to showcase its democratic resilience and reform trajectory to the African Union and the broader international community. In a region experiencing democratic backsliding in some quarters, a strong, transparent review can enhance Ghana’s reputation as a stable investment destination and a normative leader. Conversely, a poorly managed process could raise questions about commitment to reform.

4. Focus on Implementation and Emerging Frontiers

The shift in the second-generation review’s focus from identification to implementation is critical. The council and the national process will be judged on how effectively Ghana has acted on the recommendations from its previous reviews. Furthermore, the inclusion of new thematic areas like digital governance (covering cybersecurity, digital rights, e-government) and climate resilience governance (how institutions manage climate adaptation and mitigation) ensures the review remains relevant to 21st-century challenges. Ghana’s performance in these areas will be scrutinized.

5. Anticipated Review Themes

Based on the APRM framework and Ghana’s context, the 2026 review is expected to delve deeply into:

• Macroeconomic Stability & Debt Management: An analysis of recent economic programs, debt restructuring outcomes (post-2022-2023 macroeconomic challenges), and inflation control measures.
• Anti-Corruption and Accountability: A rigorous evaluation of the operational effectiveness and independence of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), CHRAJ, and other investigative and judicial bodies. The implementation of previous anti-corruption recommendations will be key.
• Decentralisation and Local Governance: An assessment of the devolution of power, fiscal autonomy, and administrative capacity of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
• Democratic Governance: The state of electoral integrity, political party financing, media freedom, and civil society space.
• Corporate Governance: Standards in state-owned enterprises and the private sector, particularly in natural resource extraction.

Practical Advice: For Citizens, CSOs, and the Private Sector

The APRM process is not an event confined to government and diplomats. Its ultimate value depends on broad national ownership.

For Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Media:

• Engage Early: Participate in the national self-assessment consultations that the NAPRM Council will organize. Submit evidence-based shadow reports and alternative perspectives.
• Monitor the Process: Track the development of the National Programme of Action (NAP) that will flow from the review’s recommendations. Hold the government accountable for implementation timelines.
• Simplify and Disseminate: Translate the APRM reports and recommendations into local languages and accessible formats to foster public debate.

For the Private Sector and Business Associations:

• Contribute Evidence: Provide data and case studies on the ease of doing business, regulatory hurdles, and corporate governance practices. The APRM’s corporate governance pillar is directly relevant.
• Advocate for Reforms: Use the review’s findings to advocate for specific regulatory or administrative reforms that improve the investment climate.

For General Citizens:

• Stay Informed: Follow the work of the NAPRM Council and the final peer review report. Understand what the recommendations mean for service delivery, accountability, and rights.
• Use the Report: The APRM report is a powerful advocacy tool. Use its validated findings to demand better governance from local assembly members, parliamentarians, and ministries.

FAQ: Common Questions About Ghana’s Second-Generation APRM Review

What exactly is the “second-generation” peer review?

It is the second major review cycle for countries that completed the first review. Its primary focus is on assessing the implementation of the previous APRM recommendations and evaluating the country’s performance against new, contemporary governance challenges that have emerged since the first review, such as digital economy governance and climate change resilience.

Is the APRM review legally binding on Ghana?

No. The APRM is a voluntary, self-monitoring mechanism. Its recommendations are not legally binding international law. Their power derives from the political commitment of the member state, peer pressure from other African leaders, and domestic advocacy. Implementation depends on the government’s will and parliamentary/civic action.

What is the role of the NAPRM Governing Council?

The Council is the national body responsible for overseeing the entire APRM process in Ghana. Its key duties include: managing the national self-assessment study, validating the draft report, ensuring broad stakeholder consultation, developing the National Programme of Action (NAP) for implementing recommendations, and liaising with the continental APRM Secretariat in South Africa.

How can the public access the review reports?

Once finalized, the Country Review Report and the National Programme of Action are public documents. They are typically published on the websites of the African Union APRM Secretariat and the national NAPRM office. The Ghanaian council is expected to widely disseminate the documents.

What happens after the Addis Ababa peer review?

Following the presentation at the AU Summit, Ghana’s primary task is to implement the agreed-upon recommendations in its National Programme of Action (NAP). The NAPRM Council is responsible for monitoring implementation and publishing periodic progress reports. The next review cycle will then assess this implementation progress.

Conclusion: A Test of Democratic Maturity

The inauguration of the NAPRM Governing Council is a procedural step with profound symbolic and substantive weight. It sets the stage for Ghana to undergo one of the most transparent and rigorous examinations of its governance systems on the continent. The choice of Professor Akua Kuenyehia and the diverse council members is a calculated investment in perceived neutrality and expertise. The true test, however, lies ahead: in the quality and honesty of the national self-assessment, the robustness of the dialogue with the peer review panel, and—most critically—in the government’s demonstrable commitment to implementing the forthcoming recommendations. Success in this second-generation review will not be about receiving praise, but about demonstrating a sustained, actionable commitment to the hard work of democratic deepening, anti-corruption, and adaptive governance in an era of new risks. For Ghana, this is an opportunity to reaffirm, with evidence, its status as a beacon of constitutional democracy in Africa.