ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT expect that the views and interests of the politicians brought to the discussion would reflect those of their communities. Some of the non-government stakeholders feel that this may be true for some parliamentarians some of the time. Yet, such an alignment of views and interests could be obstructed by the distance that sometimes exists between the parliamentarians and their constituencies. 38. Access to information on government plans, and decision-making processes are also being improved. Government representatives maintain that attempted contributions to policy-making are not deliberately ignored, but are usually taken seriously. Decisions are reached only after careful consideration of diverse perspectives. Greater transparency as to the way in which decisions are reached would address stakeholders' concern that their views are often simply ignored. It would indeed be vital to ensure that the views of regions other than Accra are given due attention. Government efficiency and capacity 39. Two interrelated and recurring themes at all the meetings were that low government efficiency and weak government capacity adversely affect the quality of governance at all levels of the public sector, including the regions. There is a dire need for clarity about, and measurement of efficiency and capacity. Although there were no suggestions as regards specific policies and measures for addressing these areas, some general remarks were made that reflect the immediate concerns of the stakeholders. 40. Factors constraining efficiency are corruption, administrative confusion and complexity, and poorly motivated staff. Addressing corruption and effecting certain institutional and organisational changes in the government are first steps towards finding solutions. Beyond this, the detailed problems need to be approached case by case. Participants pointed out that certain inefficiencies in the government are glaring and hamper the provision of state services, investment (including foreign investment), and economic growth. They wish to impress on the authorities that something should be done, and that civil society and business are willing and able to assist in seeking solutions. 41. The government's ability to provide services of a certain quality is dependent on its capacity and level of efficiency. This, in turn, depends on the quantity and quality of human and non-human resources available to the government. Insufficient, poorly trained and inexperienced staff, and inadequate or outdated equipment are the main 59