A new book aimed at strengthening governance, accountability and evidence-based policymaking in Africa has been launched in Accra.
Titled Political Economy of Institutionalising Monitoring and Evaluation Practice in Africa: 21st Century Perspectives, the publication was officially unveiled at the World Bank Country Office on June 10, 2026.
The book, authored by Professor Kwaku Appiah-Adu and Andrew Osei Asibey, examines the political, institutional and socio-economic factors that influence the successful institutionalisation of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems across the continent.
It highlights the importance of evidence-based decision-making in improving governance, enhancing public sector performance and achieving sustainable development outcomes in Africa.
The launch brought together policymakers, development practitioners, academics, government officials and other stakeholders in governance and public sector management to discuss the role of monitoring and evaluation in strengthening institutions and promoting accountability.
Call for stronger governance
The Chairman of the event and Founder of Ashesi University, Patrick Awuah, said technological advancement alone could not guarantee development without effective governance and strong institutions.
He described the book as relevant to policymakers, practitioners and citizens, and called for a shift from compliance to learning, from reporting to impact and from data collection to informed decision-making.
Mr Awuah said the launch would mark the beginning of a broader conversation on strengthening governance systems, improving service delivery and enhancing the well-being of African citizens.
Representing the World Bank, Smile Kwawukume said monitoring and evaluation had become a central pillar of effective governance and development planning.
He said governments, development agencies and civil society organisations increasingly relied on robust M&E systems to monitor performance, measure impact and ensure accountability in the use of public resources.
Review
Reviewing the publication, Djabanor Narh, an alumnus partner of Ernst & Young (EY), described it as a timely contribution to Africa’s governance landscape.
He said the book outlines the political and institutional realities that influence the success of M&E reforms while offering practical guidance on embedding evidence-based decision-making within public institutions.
He explained that the publication provided fresh perspectives for policymakers and practitioners seeking to strengthen governance and improve development outcomes.
Governance
The Guest of Honour, former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, said effective governance systems must combine technical rigour with respect for human dignity while delivering measurable results.
He described the publication as timely, stating that governments were operating in an era of rapid digital transformation, increasing access to data and growing public expectations for accountability.
Dr Bawumia said learning from evidence was no longer optional, adding that without it, well-designed policies could remain aspirations rather than instruments of transformation.
He urged policymakers to prioritise evidence in monitoring and evaluation, practitioners to strengthen learning systems and governments to ensure that development was guided by results rather than intentions.
