At least three African countries including Ghana are likely to have their countries’ political, economic and development state of affairs reviewed later this year.

The countries will be the first to the put to the test under the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) that will see African countries and heads of state evaluated in line with the goals of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad).

The plans seek to enhance public accountability, democracy, political stability and economic growth necessary for massive development on the continent and APRM member countries.

At least 15 of 53 African nations have signed and agreed to peer reviewing including South Africa, Algeria, Ethiopia, DRC, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Mali, Cameroon, Gabon, Burkina Faso and Senegal.

Addressing reporters in Pretoria, Nepad secretariat head Wiseman Nkuhlu said Ghana had volunteered to be put under the spotlight by the APRM six-member panel comprising, among others, former first lady Graca Machel.

Nkuhlu said however that it would be appropriate to have three nations appear before the APRM at a go to provide ‘a good benchmark’.

“We might also get a country like South Africa that may think it is doing everything right just to see how vigorous the process is…It will be better to get a good spread of countries and really test the theory of the peer review,” he said.

The review will be done periodically within 18 months of a country becoming an APRM member, but could also be done on request or when a situation in a particular member country demanded such an intervention. According to the APRM, early signs of impending political or economic crisis in a member country will also be sufficient for instituting a review.

It adds that such a review can only be called for by peers and relevant government in the spirit of helpfulness to the concerned member country.

The comprehensive review, which will also cover interviews with media and opposition political parties, will involve a study of the socio-economic and political environment of a member country based on the “up-to-date background documentation prepared by the APRM secretariat provided by national and regional bodies”.

After a panel visit and consultation with a member country, the team will compile and submit its report, identifying problems and necessary remedial action, to the participating country and the concerned leader as well as his/her peers. Provided the country or leader demonstrates political will to rectify the situation, his/her peers will then provide assistance they can and call on donor governments and agencies to throw their weight behind the country under review. – BuaNews.