AFRICAN PEER REVIEW MECHANISM (APRM) AS A TOOL FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA; A CASE STUDY OF GHANA, KENYA, RWANDA AND SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the African Peer Review Mechanism as a tool for good governance in Africa: A case study of Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa. The objectives of the study were; to assess the impact of APRM on governance in Africa, to assess the achievements of the APRM in Africa and to assess the challenges experienced in the implementation of APRM in Africa. The study explored the APRM as a tool for good governance in Africa from inception to 2011. As part of the theoretical framework, the study applied the theoretical concept of regionalism which characterizes the shrinking of distance between countries, a growing interdependence of nations and emergence of a transnational society permeating the old nation states. The study was conducted through desk research and questionnaires. Data collected was mainly qualitative to establish the state of APRM - mandate, progress, impact, challenges and recommendations. The study found that so far, 31 African countries have acceded to the APRM and this far, 11 countries have undergone the first review. Among these, the study sought to have an in-depth look at Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa because of their peculiarities in the implementation of the mechanism. Some of the challenges experienced in the implementation of the process are corruption, lack of accountability, lack of technical capacity, inadequate resources, and low levels of participation by the public. Some of the achievements are that the mechanism has led to a marked shift in countries’ institutional structures, positive reform process, and increased accountability and transparency. However, a lot more remains to be done for sustainability of development in African states, there is need for more capacity building and commitment from the heads of states and civil society organizations.