CHAPTER 3 iii. Recommendations 81. In order to promote wide debate on economic policy matters and consensus on policies put in place, the Ghanaian authorities are advised to take even more determined steps to enhance transparency in government economic policies. In particular, the Government of Ghana is advised to: ? Reveal to the public the data available and the nature of the processes and procedures that decision-makers utilise in all areas of economic management. ? Look at ways to satisfy the demands and interests of Ghanaians and international partners for additional transparency. 82. The Panel also recommends that all ministries, departments and agencies that are covered in Ghana's CSAR should conduct their own selfassessment, and this should be made public within a year. The Panel's recommendations are elaborated in more detail below. Provision of information 83. The underlying factor in promoting transparency is the provision of information. This is done via publications, radio and television broadcasts, the Internet, or by opening up processes and procedures to the public for direct observation through attendance at meetings and debates. Thus, it seems reasonable that one must start by revealing to the public the data available and the nature of the processes and procedures that decision makers utilise in all the important areas of economic management. This requires that decisions be made about the processes deemed democratic, what should be revealed, through what media, and to whom. As the provision of information will entail economic costs, the decisions will include the charges and prices for access to various types of information (content and media). Transparency in policy-making 84. The evidence is that the Ghanaian authorities are making progress in improving transparency in policy-making. The Panel nevertheless recommends that attention be given to looking at ways to satisfy the demands and interests of Ghanaians and international partners for additional transparency. It is suggested that specific persons or an organisation be assigned the task, with clear terms of reference, of making 70