Accra, April 8, GNA - The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General's Department, on Thursday began a two-day forum to discuss ways to develop a national governance framework.

Dr. Kwabena Duffour, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, said in a speech read for him that good governance was central to creating an environment that fostered growth and development He said good governance also ensured that government was more accountable and responsive to the needs of the people and there was better prioritization.

"It also means strengthening of governance institutions and system opening up space for engagement with civil society to enhance accountability."

Dr. Duffour said these principles, when applied, would lead to better policy formulation and decision making, a more transparent public procurement system that would reduce corrupt practices and lead to value for money and more efficient resources allocation. Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, commended Ghanaians for achievements and accomplishments as a nation in terms of good governance over the past 20 years.

"We have chalked many successes including having four successful elections and several transfers of power from one political party to another," she said.

Mrs Mould-Iddrisu said the governance programme should be led and driven by the government as stakeholders and not by donors. She said the priority of the legal sector should the reform of the criminal justice system and access to justice which is central to the human right situations in Ghana

Mrs Mould-Iddrisu expressed the hope that the annual dialogue on governance would "bring us all together to review progress and deliberate on the way forward and facilitate the urgent implementation of the government's better Ghana agenda"

Mr. Paul Victor Obeng, the Chairman National Development Planning Commission, appealed to government agencies and departments to team up to deliver on their mandates 08 April 10