ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Development, some of which provided information on countries from previous studies or assessments. A number of regional and international individual experts were also involved in developing the methodologies, guidelines and tools for the execution of the process. Their contribution includes: developing the APR Questionnaire for assessment; writing background papers on the countries now under review; drafting the Issues Paper; participating in the Country Review Missions; and providing input in drafting the Country Report. The Panel appreciates the exceptional work done by all the individuals and institutions, which at times called for innovation and creativity given the pioneering nature of the process. Special mention is made of individuals who made a contribution to drafting the final report: Dr Bernard Kouassi, Evelynne Change and Dalmar Jama from the APR Secretariat; Sudir Chuckun of the NEPAD Secretariat; from partner institutions, Prof. Achi Atsain and Seward M. Cooper (AfDB), Zemenay Lakew (UNDP); independent experts, Prof. Ahmed Mohiddin, Dr Afeikhena Jerome, Dr Omotunde Johnson and Prof. L. Adele Jinadu; and in the penultimate stages, the assistance of Dr Aïda Thorne. The APR process would also not have been operationalised without the financial support provided by the participating countries and several development partners. An APRM Trust Fund is now in place and the unalloyed gratitude of the Panel is expressed to all that have made contributions to this Fund. The Panel expresses sincere appreciation to all those who have taken the initiative to explain and popularise the APRM in Ghana and in other countries, including the media, nongovernmental organisations and various civil society organisations. The Panel commends the enthusiasm with which civil society has embraced the process, both nationally and regionally. The Panel is grateful for the advances that have already been made in the movement towards better governance at all levels through multi-stakeholder dialogue and participation. In presenting this APRM Report for Ghana to the Forum, we as members of the Panel of Eminent Persons do not underestimate the task that still awaits us. Mrs Marie-Angelique Savane, Chairperson, Amb. Bethuel Kiplagat, Deputy Chairperson, Dr Chris Stals, member leading the Ghana review process, Prof. Adebayo Adedeji Dr Graca Machel Mr Mourad Medelci Prof. Dorothy Njeuma June 2005