Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Policy Experts Champion Institutionalized Monitoring and Evaluation at Landmark Book Launch

On June 10, 2026, the World Bank Country Office in Accra served as the venue for the high-profile launch of the book, Political Economy of Institutionalising Monitoring & Evaluation Practice in Africa: 21st Century Perspectives. Authored by Professor Kwaku Appiah-Adu and Mr. Andrew Osei Asibey, the publication provides a comprehensive analysis of the role that monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems play in shaping governance and public policy across the continent. The event highlighted the critical intersection of academic research and practical governance, drawing together leaders from the development and political sectors to discuss the future of African accountability. Keynote speaker and former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, underscored the necessity of robust M&E systems as a foundation for accountable governance. He argued that evidence-based decision-making is no longer optional but a requirement for sustainable development in Africa. This sentiment was supported by the event’s chairman, Mr. Patrick Awuah, who called for a paradigm shift in how governance is practiced. Awuah emphasized that for African nations to thrive, there must be a seamless integration of technological advancements and effective institutional frameworks that prioritize transparency and data-driven insights. A central theme of the new book is the transition of M&E from a mere compliance-driven exercise to a dynamic tool for learning and strategic policy adjustments. The authors explore how institutionalizing these practices can help governments move beyond rhetoric to measurable impact. By examining the political economy of these systems, Appiah-Adu and Asibey offer stakeholders a framework for embedding evidence-based practices into public administration. This approach is intended to foster a culture where data informs every stage of policy development, ensuring more efficient resource allocation and better outcomes for citizens. The ceremony concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to engage with the book’s findings to drive meaningful institutional reform. The event was further enriched by cultural performances, including musical interludes by Mr. Stephen Aidoo Borsah, which complemented the serious nature of the policy discussions. As the book enters the public domain, it is expected to serve as a vital resource for stimulating dialogue on accountability and institutional strengthening, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development and good governance across the African continent.