OGP Ghana Engages Ministry of Roads and Highways on Transparency and Accountability Commitments under 5th National Action Plan
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) Ghana Office has held a bilateral meeting with the Ministry of Roads and Highways to review and discuss the Ministry’s commitments under Ghana’s 5th National Action Plan (NAP).
The Ministry of Roads and Highways is responsible for implementing two key commitments under the current Action Plan. These commitments focus on strengthening transparency and accountability in the road infrastructure sector, to improve public trust and citizen participation.
Introducing the rationale for the engagement, Mrs. Thelma Ohene-Asiamah, the OGP Ghana Point of Contact, explained that the meeting forms part of the ongoing Mid-Term Review processes of the 5th National Action Plan. She indicated that the review process involves engaging implementing agencies to provide updates on progress made, identify challenges, and reaffirm milestones and expected outcomes under their commitments.
She explained that the first commitment of the Ministry of Roads and Highways seeks to enhance transparency by providing seamless public access to information on road infrastructure projects. This is intended to support participatory monitoring, informed citizen engagement, and inclusive decision-making processes, she noted.
The second commitment focuses on developing and implementing a robust accountability mechanism for flagship infrastructure projects, including public disclosure of project data, independent audits, and participatory evaluations to ensure alignment with project goals, specifications, and approved budgets, she further iterated.
The meeting brought together Directors and Technical staff from both institutions, Civil Society representatives on the OGP Multi-Stakeholder Forum, and representatives from the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative, CoST Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Steve Manteaw, a member of the Multi-stakeholder Forum, underscored the importance of transparency in road infrastructure delivery. He noted that the disclosure of critical information such as contract details, project timelines, budgets, and contractors will help build public trust and strengthen citizen oversight of road projects across the country.
The OGP Point of Contact also highlighted that OGP is anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability, citizen participation, justice, and the use of technology and innovation. She noted that Ghana’s implementation of previous National Action Plans has led to significant public sector reforms, including the Beneficial Ownership Regime and the Right to Information Act, which have contributed to improved governance and public sector service delivery.
On his part, Mr George Kojo Addison, Director in Charge of Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Roads and Highways, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive governance. He stated that as policymakers, the Ministry has a responsibility to keep citizens informed and actively involved in its work. According to him, the OGP process provides a valuable platform for collaboration with Civil Society Organisations, promoting transparency and accountability in the road sector.
Mr. Addison further informed participants that the Ministry has begun developing a digital dashboard to publish data on road contracts. He explained that the platform will serve as a one-stop hub for tracking contract details and the progress of road projects internally, while also making selected information available to the general public, particularly on major road projects under the Government’s “Big Push” agenda.
He commended the OGP Ghana Office for convening the engagement. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to enhance openness, accountability, and public trust in road infrastructure development.
Written By: Evelyn Addor
With Support from: OGP-European Union