Addis Ababa, 22 May (ECA) -- Economic Commission for Africa Executive Secretary K.Y. Amoako today begins a three-day official visit to Ghana during which he will meet with President John Kuffour and other senior officials, including Finance Minister Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo.

Mr. Amoako's discussions during the visit will focus on the urgent actions that need to be taken by Africa and its international partners for the continent to effectively overcome its development challenges.

According to ECA, if the pace of Africa's development is to be accelerated, it is imperative that the relationship between Africa and its partners be characterized by interdependence and cooperation, and based on shared responsibility for development effectiveness and outcomes. 

It is also necessary that the commitments on all sides be monitored within an interactive and constructive relationship between developed and developing countries. This requires a functioning process of accountability that can enhance the credibility of commitments undertaken by Africa and its partners.

The issue of how to strengthen mutual accountability and policy coherence in order to improve development effectiveness will thus be a key focus of Mr. Amoako's dialogue with the Government of Ghana. He will also share ECA's perspective on Ghana's recent economic trends.

Other activities during the visit of the ECA Executive Secretary to Ghana include a special briefing for the media. He will also participate in the second event in Ghana's Development Dialogue Series in Accra on 23 May. The one-day forum, co-sponsored by the World Bank and leading Ghanaian think tanks, aims to promote vibrant discourse on development policy issues.

For more information, please contact Max Jarrett in Accra on 024 702 329 ,