New Year School opens tomorrow

Accra, Dec. 29, GNA- The performance of Ghana's young democracy in the last ten years, following the return of constitutional rule in 1993 would be the main topic for discussion at the 55th Annual New Year School which opens on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at the University of Ghana (UG), Legon.

The theme for the weeklong school, run by the Institute of Adult Education (IAE) is: "A Decade of Constitutional Rule in Ghana - Critical Issues Facing the Nation".

The school would examine the performance of several institutions such as Parliament, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the nation's efforts to consolidate democracy.

Mr Kenneth Yamson, Assistant Administrative Officer of the School, told newsmen that more than 200 participants were expected to attend the school.

On the agenda are a keynote address, lectures, symposia and a dialogue, as well as the expectations of next year's election. There would also be discussions on food security and poverty alleviation, appraisal of the President's Special Initiatives (PSIs), while participants would review lessons from the Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

Other topic include the limits of press freedom, increasing access and affordability of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and the prospects and challenges of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD).

Mr Justice Kingsley Acquah, Chief Justice, is expected to deliver the opening address under the Chairmanship of Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II, Chancellor of the University of Ghana.