Suhum (E/R), Nov. 27, GNA - Three African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Committees were inaugurated on Friday for the Suhum/Kraboah/Coaltar, Akuapem South and the East Akim districts of the Eastern Region at Suhum.

Each of the committee was made up of seven members and is to embark on sensitization of people in their respective districts on the APRM to make the people to take ownership of the programme.

Speaking at a one-day National African Peer Review Mechanism Governing Council (NAPRMGC) workshop, organized in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) for stakeholders from the three districts, the Executive Secretary of the (NAPRMGC), Dr Francis Appiah, said the inauguration makes them the first districts to have the committees in the country.

He explained that the basic idea underlying the APRM was that just as African countries mobilized themselves to fight for political independence, it was time that they do same to fight for their economic independence.

Dr Appiah said the APRM was designed by the new crop of leaders emerging on the African continent, who were determined to ensure that Africa develop economically, adding that, African countries were providing the funds to sustain the project.

He said this year Ghana contributed about 100,000 dollars towards the sustenance of the project.

Dr Appiah said the APRM provided an opportunity for the people to dialogue with their governments and help in identifying the strength and weaknesses of their countries and help provide solutions to the identified weaknesses.

He said the APRM also offered a means by which the people could hold their governments accountable for the non-fulfilment of promises made towards the provision of solutions to already identified problems. The Eastern Regional Director of the NCCE, Mr Emmanuel Quaye-Sowah, said it was only when the people understood the APRM and what was expected of them that they would be able to take ownership of the project and be ready to work to defend it.

He said it would require a change of the mind-set and the willingness of the people on the need for Africa to develop that would inspire them to work to find solutions to the problems facing them.