EXECUTIVE SUMMARY African nationalities, was fielded in Ghana from 4-16 April 2005. Extensive consultations were held with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, political parties, parliamentarians and representatives of civil society organisations such as the media, academia, trade unions, business and professional bodies. The Mission also ascertained whether the national assessment process was technically competent, credible and free of political manipulation. 5. The Mission observed that Ghana is committed to improved governance and the populace is determined to achieve a better quality of life. The APRM process is seen as an important contributory factor to the achievement of the national objectives of good governance. In keeping with its tradition of “firsts” on the continent, and as the first country to be reviewed in the APRM, Ghana is leading by example in the process. The National APRM Governing Council (NAPRM-GC) was granted autonomy in executing its mandate, which it discharged resolutely. 6. The Technical Review teams chosen to undertake the exercise were credible and competent research institutions, renowned both nationally and internationally. The Mission notes with great appreciation the high quality of the reports prepared by the four technical advisory teams. Democracy and good political governance 7. Ghana could rightly be described as an oasis of peace and tranquillity in a sub-region perpetually in turmoil. Since the return to democratic rule in 1992, Ghana has moved increasingly towards consolidating and strengthening liberal democratic principles, structures and processes. Its progress in this historic development has been remarkable, albeit fragile in some respects. Three successful post-transition competitive multi-party elections were held in 1996, 2000 and 2004, respectively. The result has been the democratic and orderly transfer of power from one party to another and from one President to another. Even more remarkable is the fact that, unlike earlier democratic transitions in the country that lasted only for a few years before they were aborted, the current transition has lasted over twelve years and seems to have stabilised. 8. The general view expressed by stakeholders across the political spectrum and in various shades of Ghana's public life has been that competition for political power is robust and open, though fractious and, at times, explosive especially before, during and after elections. A number of problems are, however, likely to diminish the