IEA marks Silver Jubilee; 'exports' democracy to West Africa

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) is championing the export of matured democracy to the West African sub-region after 25 years of successful democratic adventure in Ghana.

Having been the torchbearer in promoting sound political and economic policies through research and advocacy in Ghana, the Institute has spread its tentacles to the countries within the West African sub-region.

"Desirous of spreading the gains made under the Ghana Political Parties Programme (GPPP) to countries in the sub reigion, The Institute in 2006 initiated the West Africa Regional Programme of Political Parties (WARPPP). The programme brings together the leaders of political parties in 7 West African countries including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cote d'Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Mali and Nigeria to share lessons, experiences and best practices with their Ghanaian counterparts for the purpose of promoting peace and stability in the sub-region."

"To date, some of the countries involved have replicated programmes similar to the IEA-GPPP," the IEA said in a statement to mark the celebration of its Silver Jubilee.

From humble beginnings in 1989, the Institute embarked on an adventure that has since deepened and transformed Ghana's democracy with a determined effort at impacting the political and economic policies in West Africa.

That adventure has led to the repeal of the Criminal and Sedition Libel law in 2001; the Passage of the Serious Fraud Office Act, 1993 (Act 466); Passage of the Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720); and a major contribution to the formulation and passage of Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815); policies which have in a thoroughly remarkable way improved Ghana's democracy.

Marking the Silver Jubilee under the theme "25 Years of Advancing Democracy and Economic Development" the institute also mentioned the Passage of the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845), and its contribution to 1992 Constitution Review Process as some of the milestones achieved thus far.

It also touted major inroads made in Macroeconomic Stability and Debt Sustainability, Financial Intermediation in the oil and gas sector in the country.

"On the occasion of our Silver Jubilee this year, we pause to reflect on our work, salute our partners and stakeholders who have travelled this journey with us, and draw inspiration to advance the frontiers of development for the years ahead," the statement said.

These achievements notwithstanding, the Institute is also leading the crusade in promoting key Bills such as the Right to Information Bill (1996), Public Funding of Political Parties Bill (2007), and the Revised Political Parties Bill (2007).

The Institute has thus gained "international recognition as a thought leader in Ghana and in the sub-region", the statement said.