Ghana, 7th best performing government in Africa

Ghana has been ranked as the 7th best performing government in Africa by the 2011 Mo Ibrahim Index on Governance in Africa.

The country also scored 66 out of 100 marks and was also adjudged the second best government behind Chad in West Africa.

The Mo Ibrahim index is the most comprehensive collection of qualitative and quantitative data that provides an annual assessment of government performance in every African country.

Cape Verde's former President, Pedro Pires was also adjudged winner of the 2011 Mo Ibrahim prize.

He wins a $5 million prize.
Ghana's ranking was based on four main indicators, Safety and Rule of Law; Participation and Human Rights; Sustainable Economic Opportunity and Human Development.

On Safety and Rule of Law, the country scored 72 marks placing 6th on the African continent and placing 4th on Participation and Human Rights indicators with 69 marks.

Ghana was also ranked 16th and 12th on the Sustainable Economic opportunity with 53 marks and Human development with 70 marks respectively.

Mauritius topped the rankings with 82 marks followed by Cape Verde with 79 marks, Botswana 76, Seychelles 73, South Africa 71 and Namibia 70 marks.

The index also ranked Somalia as the lowest with only 8 marks.

South Africa, Egypt and Tunisia were ranked among the top ten performing governments in Africa.

Former president of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr. Joyce Aryee said there was the need for the country to do serious thinking about the efficient utilization of its oil resources.

She called for greater accountability and transparency in the usage of the country's oil revenue.

A member of the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance Advisory Council, Professor Akilakpa Sawyerr said good governance and prudent management of the country's oil revenue was critical to the advancement of the country's economy.