Parliamentary Caucus Engages OGP Ghana To Advance Transparency And Accountability Reforms
The Parliamentary Caucus on the Open Government Partnership (OGP) paid a courtesy call on the OGP Ghana Multi-Stakeholder Forum (Steering Committee) to explore areas of collaboration in advancing the implementation of commitments under Ghana’s 5th Open Government Partnership National Action Plan (NAP-5).
The meeting was held on Thursday, 5th March, 2026 at the conference room of the Public Sector Reform Secretariat (PSRS). This brought together members of the OGP Steering Committee, directors and staff of the Secretariat, and a high-level delegation from Parliament led by Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah, Chairman of the OGP Parliamentary Caucus and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ho Constituency.
Also, present was the Minister of State, Public Sector Reforms, Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba (MP) and Chair of the OGP National Steering Committee and Ms. Mary Addah, Executive Director, Transparency International and Co-Chair representing the Civil Society Group.
Strengthening Executive – Legislative Collaboration
In her welcome remarks, Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba expressed appreciation to the Parliamentary delegation for the visit. She noted that the establishment and active engagement of the Parliamentary Caucus demonstrates a shared commitment between the Executive and the Legislature to deepen transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in Ghana.
She emphasized that Parliament’s support is critical to advancing reforms under Ghana’s National Action Plans and strengthening open governance reforms across the public sector.
Role of the OGP Parliamentary Caucus
The OGP Parliamentary Caucus was inaugurated in 2023 by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. It was established to strengthen parliamentary oversight and support for open government reforms.
The 16-member caucus is composed of members from both the majority and minority sides of Parliament who serve as champions for OGP principles within the Legislature. Their mandate includes promoting open parliament practices; such as enhancing citizen participation in parliamentary processes and monitoring the implementation of Ghana’s OGP National Action Plans.
Sharing the rationale for the visit, Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah noted that the Speaker of Parliament was strongly committed to promoting OGP principles and ensuring Ghana fulfills its commitments under the 5th National Action Plan (NAP5).
He further disclosed that open government principles and reforms have been incorporated into the activities of Parliament as part of its oversight mandate. The Caucus intends to engage the Parliament of Ghana on their Corporate Strategic Plan (2026–2030). Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for implementing the NAP-5 commitments to assess progress, identify challenges, and support the development of legislative and policy reforms where necessary.
The Caucus also outlined its planned activities, which include initiatives to enhance the visibility of OGP in national discourse, capacity-building programmes for Members of Parliament, and the establishment of OGP clubs in tertiary institutions to inspire a new generation of leaders committed to transparency and accountability.
Civil Society Reaffirms Support
Ms. Mary Addah, Co-Chair of the OGP Multi-Stakeholder Forum representing Civil Society Group, commended Parliament for its leadership and commitment to advancing open government reforms.
She reaffirmed the readiness of Civil Society Organizations to provide technical support to the Caucus in championing reforms linked to key legislative initiatives, including the Conduct of Public Officers Bill, the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill, and the Witness Protection Act, 2018 (Act 975).
Ms. Addah emphasized that civil society has historically played a critical role in advocating for and supporting the passage of legislation that strengthens transparency and accountability. She expressed optimism that with stronger collaboration between Parliament, the Executive, and Civil Society, Ghana can continue to make significant progress toward a more open and inclusive governance system, which deepens the country’s democratic growth.
Written By: Evelyn Adzovi Addor
With Support from: OGP-European Union