EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.0 Introduction This is the Sixth Annual Progress Report submitted by the National African Peer Review Mechanism – Governing Council (NAPRM-GC) to the APR Panel as part of the reporting requirements of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). The report covers the period January – December 2011 and provides and overview of Ghana’s progress in implementing the National Programme of Action. The Report is anchored on the following themes: • Democracy and Good Political Governance • Economic Governance and Management • Corporate Governance • Socio-Economic Development 2.0 Democracy and Good Political Governance 2.1 Entrenching Constitutional Democracy and the Rule of Law Whilst the country has signed and ratified most of the major conventions and treaties against discrimination, women representation remains lower than the 40 percent target. The country does not have a legal framework to enforce the Affirmative Action (AA) Policy. The Electoral Commission and political parties agreed to use biometric voter (BV) cards for the 2012 general elections. As part of efforts to deepen the decentralization process, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies commenced the implementation of the composite budget. Sixth Annual APRM Progress Report: January – December 2011 xiii