Mr. Francis Obeng Boampong, acting Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Elembelle District, has observed that Africa's poverty has increased due to low level of productivity and the increase in youth unemployment. He said while some of the developed countries are striving to reduce poverty in their countries, some developing countries are still battling with the payment of heavy international debt. Mr. Boampong made the statement during a sensitization forum on African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) organized by the District Oversight Committee (DOC) at Esiama in the Ellembelle district of the Western Region. The purpose of the forum was to accord the NCCE in the district the opportunity to explain the meaning of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and their roles as well as other government policies to the people. He said there was the need for people in the district to be abreast of some global issues particularly, those on Africa, to deepen their understanding of government policies and decisions. The chairman of D.O.C., Mr. Edward Arthur, indicated that APRM seeks to ensure the adoption of good policies and practices to foster political stability and economic development. He said these could be achieved through democracy and good governance, economic governance and management, co-operate governance and socio-economic development. For his part, the District Coordinating Director, Mr. Joseph K. Armah, noted that for good governance to be realized in the country, all departments must ensure probity and accountability. Source: GNA