ZEF alumnus Felix Asante selected as the first member of African Network on Good Governance

Former ZEF PhD student Felix Asante was appointed as the first member of the newly established "African Good Governance Network” by the Federal President of Germany Horst Köhler during his visit to Ghana this week. Felix Asante did his PhD at ZEF and was supported by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). His PhD study was on “Economic Analysis of Decentralization in Rural Ghana” (published by Peter Lang Frankfurt 2003). After finishing his PhD he took up a position as Senior Researcher at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) in Accra, Ghana.

During his visit in Ghana President Köhler opened the second conference in the framework of his initiative “Partnership with Africa”. In this context he appointed Dr. Asante as the first member of the African Good Governance Network, which was founded by the German Academic Exchange Service.

The Network is a long-term stipend and education program of the DAAD and a leadership program aimed at students from sub Sahara African countries studying at German Universities or working in cooperation projects in Africa. In the framework of this program, which is under the patronage of President Köhler, the students are prepared for a leading role in the process of democratisation, economic growth, and the rule of law in their home countries.

As a member of the AGGN Dr. Asante will be invited to participate in seminars in Germany and in exchange activities with other members of the Network. Also, research stipends will be available. The aim is to build a network of excellent leadership in Africa that will push on development in their countries.

In the near future, 10 new members will be selected for the Network annually.