The Vice President John Dramani Mahama has asked all people with ideas and interest in government policy to take advantage of the ongoing Ghana Policy Fair. The week-long policy fair which is a novelty in the country and on the continent is meant to educate Ghanaians on the various policy initiatives for national development. The fair, which is taking place at the Accra International Conference Centre, among other things, is aimed at demystifying governance, and to give Ghanaians the opportunity to evaluate policies being implemented to determine their relevance. The event is also aimed at creating an avenue for brainstorming on critical national development issues such as trade and investment, initiative in the oil and gas sector, education, development, health as well as challenges facing organized labour. Launching the fair, Vice President John Dramani Mahama said the fair which will be replicated in all the regions of the country, forms part of government’s quest to deepen transparency in its operations and urged all to take advantage of the fair and affect government policy. According to him heads of all government institutions will be available to engage the public and take feedback on various government policies. Mr Mahama said he expects the business community to take advantage of the fair which could lead to more public-private-partnerships. “Government also expects that this fair will contribute in no small measure to bring the entire Ghanaian public aboard government’s better Ghana agenda. It will also provide the platform for the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to account for their stewardship as Ghanaians long for information on Government activities and we expect that it will also drive investment and public private partnership in the implementation of some of these policy programmes that will be exhibited here.” He said. About 98 stands have been taken up for the fair as at Tuesday April 27. A high patronage is expected as all invited groups including professional groups, labour unions, donor agencies, civil society groups, the diplomatic community, youth, students, religious and political groups have confirmed to be present at the week long fair. The Deputy Information Minister, James Agyenim Boateng said the event is very relevant because it is an opportunity to showcase several policies and programs planned by the various ministries. “The idea is the first of its kind, we think that there are a lot of policies, projects and programs which unfortunately do not get much exposure, so what we are seeking to do is an exhibition which showcases all these policies, projects and programs that is ongoing or are yet to be rolled out in terms of planning and advantages for the people to know what is going on in the various ministries.” He said. According to him, “as part of good governance and accountability process and President Mills’ commitments to run an open transparent government, it is not only important that we deliver on certain things, but it is important that we let the people know what the projects and policies are so that we can feedback and carry the people with us.” Mr. Agyenim Boateng added that the Ministries, departments and other will exhibit some of their various works and policies for the benefit of the general public. “The various ministries, departments, agencies, the corporation with companies and all other participating bodies are going to have exhibition stalls where they will put on exhibition some of their works, policies, projects and programs… there will also be photo exhibitions.” Source: Citifmonline.com