Policy Fairs to ensure transparency and accountability – Ablakwa

Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa, has defended the government’s “Policy Fairs”, saying it is meant to give more meaning to transparency and accountability.

Additionally, it creates avenues for policy makers and implementers to share ideas and views on government policies.

The people, he said are also presented with the opportunity to assess the progress or otherwise being made in all the sectors.

Mr Ablakwa was speaking at the media launch of the Ashanti Regional Policy Fair in Kumasi.

The four-day event fixed for October 26-29 at the Centre for National Culture in Kumasi is on the theme: “The Better Ghana Agenda-The Ashanti Region Experience.”

It would allow for direct assessment of government’s performance through the ministries, departments, agencies, metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies.

The Deputy Minister said this is a fulfillment of the election promise by President John Evans Atta Mills to run an open, transparent and accountable government.

He noted that the ministries, departments, agencies and assemblies have become accountable and closer to the people largely because of the unique opportunity of the fairs.

Mr Ablakwa spoke of a number of projects undertaken, including health, education infrastructure, roads, water and sanitation facilities and markets to improve the lives of the people.

There is also the forest plantation development initiative and the Expanded Youth Employment Programme among other development interventions.

He invited the media to give adequate publicity to the event to whip up public interest and patronage.

Dr Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, Regional Minister, said it would offer a unique platform for officials involved in policy formulation, implementation and the people, who are the beneficiaries of the policies to interact.

He called on all, to fully participate to ensure the success of the programme.

Source: GNA