The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) National Secretariat has expressed sadness over the passing of Dr. Amos Claudius Sawyer, whom the institution described as a “patriot, statesman and dedicated Pan-Africanist, whose contribution to the attainment of continental integration and good governance was manifested in his commendable technical and professional expertise rendered the APRM”.
According to the APRM, Dr. Sawyer’s appointment to the APRM Panel of Eminent Persons, a body of distinguished African personalities who have excelled in various fields, in 2010 was not only a recognition of his individual demonstration of excellence; rather, a pride to Liberia, his country.
“Dr. Sawyer later became Chairman of the Panel of Eminent Persons of the APRM. At the close of his three-year tenure, Liberia was again honored by APRM when former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf assumed the Chairmanship of the APR Forum of Heads of State and Government—the highest decision-making structure of APRM,” the group said.
Liberia became an APRM member country in 2011, which coincided with Dr. Sawyer’s tenure at the APRM Panel of Eminent Persons. He helped guide the country’s institutionalization of the peer review process, and was always forthcoming with advice to the APRM national structures: the National Focal Point, the National Governing Council (NGC) and the National Secretariat.
The National Secretariat of the APRM said it is proud of his service, as well as his selection and his roles at the APRM.
Meanwhile, the Liberia National Secretariat of the APRM, on behalf of the National Focal Point, Samuel D. Tweah, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, has extended profound condolences to the family of the fallen statesman and Pan-Africanist.
The primary purpose of the APRM is to foster the adoption of policies, standards and practices that lead to political stability, high economic growth, and sustainable development and enhanced sub-regional and continental economic integration through sharing of experiences and reinforcement of successful and best practice, as well as framework which challenges and guides member countries to adopt agreed codes, standards and practices that help them realize good governance, which in turn leads to political stability, economic growth and sustainable development.