Your Excellency, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, the President of the Republic of Ghana,
Your Excellency, the Chairman of the Council of State, who is also the Chairman for this occasion,
Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Hon. Ministers of State,
Hon. Members of Parliament,
Service Commanders,
Nii Mei, Naa Mei, Nananom
Friends from the Media,
Distinguished Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I must state that, after the launch of the 3rd Ghana policy Fair on Thursday, 5th April, 2012 at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Information, I have been looking forward to this day and occasion with both anxiety and excitement. This is because this event marks the beginning of yet another rare opportunity to showcase to the good people of Ghana the various policies which our Government, headed by His Excellency Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, has initiated and programmed to bring development to our people.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an established fact that, our president, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills has consistently and repeatedly emphasized his commitment to a transparent and an accountable governance system. He has therefore remained unwavering on this score.

It is an acceptable and universal fact that the provision of adequate and reliable information at the right time to the citizenry is a sine qua non to transparency and accountability in governance. The access to credible information by the citizens and their ability to make inputs into government's policies are in many ways the practical translation of a transparent and accountable government.

This becomes a reality if the people can not only have access to information on the policies that affect various aspects of their national life, but also have their concerns factored into both the formulation and review of these policies.

Mr Chairman, Nananom, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is in pursuit if these democratic ideals coupled with the President's own commitment to these ideals that have led to both the conception and the institutionalization of the Policy Fair including the dialogue sessions.

The Policy Fair is therefore expected to provide the people of Ghana in particular and the entire world in general, information on the various government policies and the programmes, projects and activities derived from these policies. The purpose of this is to make the populace informed and empowered to make informed decisions and raise concerns on issues bothering on their lives.

Another useful expectation of the Policy Fair is the promotion dialogue among stakeholders and the encourage of broad debate on policy alternatives.

Mr Chairman,

As we strive to make the people of Ghana part of the Governance system, let us be mindful of the fact that, transparency and accountability are significant means to better the living conditions of our people in support of the Better Ghana Agenda.

We are equally aware that, transparent and accountable governance must also lead to a fair and a just distribution or redistribution of the national cake. It therefore calls for the judicious use of our taxes, provision of social amenities, expansion of our infrastructure and investment in our people.

In this respect, I am happy to reiterate that the Better Ghana Agenda is definitely on course. It is indeed difficult, if not impossible, to imagine a sector that has been neglected under the three years of the Better Ghana Agenda.

The 3rd Ghana Policy Fair would therefore provide the 'platform on which our efforts would be assessed. Our brothers and sisters, development partners and all identifiable stakeholders are kindly invited to join us throughout the Fair period. Your maximum participation would enable us to "Build Together In A Better Ghana".

I therefore wish on behalf of the Ministry of Information to warmly welcome you. Your Excellency the President, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Hon. Ministers of State, Hon. Members of Parliament, Service Commanders to this Fair. I also wish to extend this warm welcome to Nii Mei, Naa Mei, Nananom and our friends from the media. To all and sundry and particularly, representatives of the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies as well as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.

I do not only wish to extend the warm welcome, but also to congratulate you and show some appreciation for your tireless efforts and support for the Policy Fair for the past three years.

Let me conclude by appealing to all of you who have been able to come here to endeavour to go round the stalls and to send the message on the good news to others and to encourage those who are not here to come and be part of this success story.

Thank you and may the Good Lord who has brought you here safely for this function send you back safely to your various destinations.

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