Mr. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Deputy Minister of Defence, says the Government of Ghana is pleased to see the Ghana Integrity Initiative, the local chapter of Transparency International, and other civil society groups demonstrating their genuine commitment to democracy and accountability.

He said Ghana has a vibrant multi-party democracy, committed to the rule of law with a vibrant civil society, a free press and an active engaged Parliament.

Mr Adjei was speaking at the opening of Day’s Workshop of Transparency International Leadership on the Defence and Security Sector in Accra on Tuesday.

The workshop brought together former Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, Members of Parliament and the Military and Police High Command.

He said Ghana has had a long and mutually beneficial relationship with some useful work with its defence and security programme.

The Deputy Minister recalled that as recently as January this year, Transparency International’s Africa Index was launched in Accra in recognition of Ghana’s commitment to the agenda.

He said among countries in Africa, Ghana is in the top bracket in terms of efforts to promote transparency in the defence and security sector.

Mr Adjei revealed that the Government of Ghana takes the subject very serious as evidenced by ongoing initiatives to strengthen evaluation and monitoring systems and procedures within the Ghana Armed Forces.

He said government is pleased that this Leadership Day Workshop will afford an excellent opportunity for the participants to explore further the ways and means to advance the process and strengthen oversight in the area.

Sir Steward Eldon, Snr Advisor at Transparency International, said Ghana’s relationship with Transparency International is very valuable and must be strengthened.

He lauded Ghana as one of the countries that do very well in the area of transparency and accountability at the highest level, especially in the defence and security sector.

Sir Eldon expressed the hope that the Leadership Day Workshop will promote a broader deliberation among the sector players to enhance transparency and accountability in the country.