Dr. Akwetey appointed to Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group

The Commonwealth Secretariat has nominated Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), to serve on the 11-Member Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group (EPG).

The EPG is tasked by the Commonwealth Heads of Government to recommend options for reform that will sharpen the Commonwealth’s impact, strengthen its networks and raise its profile, a statement issued by the Commonwealth’s Communications and Public Affairs Division and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Monday stated.

The statement described the EPG membership as “knowledgeable, experienced and renowned Commonwealth citizens who will each have valuable personal contributions to the Group’s recommendations for reforms”.

According to the statement, Dr Akwetey was nominated based on his great insight and experience in democracy and development, which were two main pillars of the Commonwealth’s work.

“Dr Akwetey will contribute in strengthening the African perspective in the deliberations of the EPG, which is critical, given that a third of the Commonwealth’s member states are in Africa,” the statement stated.

In an acceptance response, Dr Akwetey said: “I am delighted to accept the Secretary-General’s kind invitation to join the EPG. This is truly a great honour, unexpected and perhaps undeserved.

“I am inspired by the rare opportunity that membership of the EPG offers to me to contribute to advancing the noble cause of the Commonwealth in the 21st Century”.

He said: “issues such as the credible management of multiparty elections, democratic transitions and human development are passions of mine and also central to the Commonwealth cause.

“I look forward to the EPG’s discussion on how to strengthen the Commonwealth’s impact in these and other important areas”.

Source: GNA