The Open Government Partnership (OGP) Ghana Office organised a consultative meeting as part of the Mid-Term Review (MTR) processes to assess the progress, gaps and develop mitigation actions to advance the 5th National Action Plan (NAP-5) implementation. The meeting was held virtually on Thursday, 26th March 2026, at the Conference Room of the Public Sector Reform Secretariat. The Mid-Term Review serves as a critical step in evaluating the country’s performance in achieving the commitments and targets set under the OGP NAP-5 (2023-2027).
Opening Statements
Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, the Minister of State, Public Sector Reforms in her opening remarks noted, that the MTR process was not merely a procedural exercise, but a strategic process designed to ensure that commitments made to citizens on the OGP pillars of transparency, accountability, citizen’s participation and justice are not only being implemented, but are delivering meaningful change in the public service delivery. She emphasized that “the Mid-Term Review offers a timely period for the multi-stakeholder forum/Steering Committee and stakeholders to reflect on what is working, what requires adjustment, and where the next phase of reform efforts must focus”.
The Moderator for the consultative meeting, Dr. Steve Manteaw, the Co-Chair of Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI) and member of the OGP Steering Committee, emphasized the guiding questions that shaped the assessment, “Are we doing the right things and are we doing things right” He noted that the answers from the findings of the assessment must provide both a reassurance and a clear call to action.
A Snapshot of Progress
The MTR is usually conducted in three phases – data gathering, consultative meetings and validation workshop to assess progress from the various implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), collaborating institutions and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the implementation of key milestones and targets under the 19 commitments in the NAP-5.
Presenting the findings of the data gathering and assessments during the stakeholder consultative meeting, the Monitoring and Evaluation Expert who led the assessment , Mr. Kwasi Agyei Boateng, explained that the MTR assessed the implementation status of 50 milestone activities programmed for implementation over the 2024-2025 implementation period, and progress towards achievement of the commitment targets detailed in the OGP NAP-5. The findings indicate “steady and credible progress”, he stated.
He noted that approximately 70% of planned milestone activities have been completed, signaling strong institutional commitment and coordination among implementing agencies. In terms of commitment targets, 7 had been fully achieved at the time of the review, substantial progress had been made towards 9 commitment targets, while 4 remain ongoing.
Some of the fully achieved milestones were under target areas such as Gender Equality, Open Parliament, Right to Information and Power Purchasing Agreements. These results suggested that Ghana was broadly on track to deliver on its reform agenda.
However, the review also identified 5 targets at risk, with limited progress recorded. It was found that key milestones under the commitment to justice were highly at risk. These included milestones on the drafting and submission of the Community Service Bill to Parliament and the Commissioning of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) and Paralegal Framework to the Office of the Attorney General for comments and subsequent submission to Cabinet for approval. These gaps were not unusual in complex but were mainly multi-stakeholder reform processes.
Similarly, efforts to pass the Persons with Disabilities Re-enactment Bill and accompanying Legal Instrument were also identified as a risk due to limited efforts. While these commitments, among others, remain relevant, the review identified gaps in information and coordination, underscoring the need for further engagement with lead institutions ahead of the stakeholder validation.
A Defining Opportunity
Participants shared an overwhelming agreement: “These commitments highlight a broader truth: open government is not only about transparency, but also about ensuring that all citizens have a voice and a stake in governance”
Mr. Jean Pierre, the European Union OGP Contact Point, commended Ghana for the progress and efforts in advancing OGP Principles. “The findings of the mid-term assessment point to a reform process that is on course but not yet complete. Ghana has demonstrated strong implementation momentum, but the next phase will require sharper focus and strategic recalibration”, he advised.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Mary Awelana Addah, the Co-Chair of the OGP Ghana Multi-Stakeholder Forum and Executive Director of Transparency International Ghana, stated that Ghana’s mid-term assessment tells a story of credible progress with clear opportunities for acceleration. “It reflects a government and stakeholders that are committed to democratic reform, willing to reflect, and prepared to adapt”, she said.
Mrs. Thelma Ohene-Asiamah, the OGP Point of Contact for Ghana, called on the implementing MDAs and collaborating CSOs to revamp their interest in the OGP Principles. “As the country moves into the second half of its OGP cycle, the challenge and opportunity is to build on this momentum. By addressing the gaps, strengthening legal foundations, and engaging citizens in the reform process, Ghana must not only meet its commitments but also set a strong example of open governance in Africa”, she urged.
Dr. Manteaw closed the MTR meeting with a call to action: “The path ahead is clear: sustain the progress, fix what is not working, and deepen the reforms that matter most to citizens”.
Also present at the MTR meeting were some members of the OGP Parliamentary Caucus, members of the Steering Committee, representatives of MDAs and key CSOs who participated virtually by giving their contributions and cogent input into the review process. The thematic areas discussed during the breakout sessions centered on transparency, accountability, citizens’ participation, innovation and technology, and open parliament and justice.
Written By: Evelyn Adzovi Addor
With Support from: OGP-European Union
Parliament of Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing transparency, accountability, and citizen participation through strengthened collaboration with civil society under the Open Government Partnership (OGP) framework.
This came to the fore during the Quarterly Civil Society–Parliament Engagement, which brought together Members of Parliament, governance experts, and civil society organizations to review Ghana’s progress on its OGP commitments and discuss priority reforms under the current 5th National Action Plan (NAP-5).
The engagement was organized by the Transparency International Ghana in collaboration with OGP Ghana Office and the Citizens’ Bureau of Parliament. This brought together members of the OGP Parliamentary Caucus, the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, and the media to dialogue on key governance reforms and strengthen the partnership between Parliament and Civil Society actors working to promote open governance in Ghana.
Ms. Mary Addah the Co-Chair of OGP Ghana National Steering Committee and Executive Director of Transparency International Ghana explained that the Quarterly Civil Society–Parliament Engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen Ghana’s participation in the Open Government Partnership by fostering inclusive dialogue, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting greater openness in governance.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary OGP Caucus, Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, underscored the importance of Parliament’s role in advancing the principles of open government. According to him, the Open Government Partnership focuses on four key pillars: transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and the use of technology to enhance governance.
Mr. Bedzrah noted that Parliament plays a critical role in supporting the implementation of Ghana’s OGP commitments, particularly through legislative oversight and the passage of laws that promote transparency and strengthen anti-corruption measures.
He further explained that the Parliamentary OGP Caucus serves as a bipartisan platform for Members of Parliament to monitor the implementation of OGP commitments and champion the advancement of open parliament initiatives.
The engagement also served as an orientation and refresher for members of the Caucus, especially following the 2024 general elections, which resulted in the election of new Members of Parliament and changes in the composition of the Caucus.
Participants discussed a range of priority reform areas linked to Ghana’s 5th National Action Plan (NAP-5) commitments, including Asset Declaration, the Conduct of Public Officers Bill, Open Procurement systems through digital platforms, transparency in the oil and gas sector, and improved public access to government information.
Stakeholders emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between Parliament and civil society to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms and to strengthen democratic governance in Ghana.
Mrs. Thelma Ohene Asiamah the Point of Contact Point, OGP Ghana explained that, Ghana is currently undergoing consultation as Part of the Mid-Term Review of the NAP-5 Commitments to assess progress and develop new strategies for implementation. She urged both Civil-Society and Parliament to support government efforts to make the public sector more transparent and accessible to citizens.
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
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
In the quest to deepen collaboration and build strong relationship with public institutions, the Public Sector Reform Secretariat (PSRS) led by Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, Member of Parliament (MP) for Tempane Constituency and Minister of State in charge of Public Sector Reforms paid a working visit to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at their head offices in Accra on Wednesday, 29th October, 2025.
The main purpose for the working visit to SSNIT and GRA was to familiarize with the institutions, understand ongoing initiatives and to identify opportunities for cooperation and support between PSRS and the key public institutions visited. This would also help strengthen collaborative efforts towards a more responsive and efficient public service.
At SSNIT, the officials from PSRS met with Mr. Kwesi Afreh Biney, the Director-General and some of his management staff, Mr. Adam Sulley, Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations and Benefits; Ms. Patience Akua Owusu, General Manager, Investment and Development; Mrs. Evelyn Adjei, Acting Chief Actuary; Mr. Jaezi Orleans Lindsay, General Manager, General Counsel; Mrs. Mabel Ofori, Acting General Manager, Admin. and Human Resources; and Mrs. Victoria Abaidoo, Corporate Affairs Manager.
In her opening statement, Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba (MP), indicated that her office has been engaging public institutions to learn about what they do and identify reform areas being implemented by the institutions. She added that since assumption of office, the PSRS has been meeting key stakeholders to finalize a draft National Public Sector Reform Strategy (NPSRS) 2025 – 2029.
According to the Minister of State, the NPSRS when finalized and launched by His Excellency the President, will seek to introduce key reform initiatives in public sector institutions and it is anchored on seven pillars, identified reform programmes and activities that will improve the delivery of services to citizens and the private sector. Other activities the PSRS undertakes include coordinating the implementation of a comprehensive gender strategy for the Public Sector (2024 – 2028), coordinating the implementation of a One-Stop-Shop and coordinating the implementation of Ghana’s Open Government Partnership initiative.
Mr. Afreh Biney, on his part warmly welcomed the Minister to SSNIT. He briefly acknowledged the gender balance being practiced at all meetings and engagements. The Director-General said, “SSNIT is the mandatory institution responsible for the management of tier 1 and their core goal is to provide income security to workers - thus Ghanaian and foreign workers. But some foreign workers are exempt from this policy”.
SSNIT according to the Director-General has been initiating some reforms which include reviewing the IT infrastructure by upgrading all digital channels to make it easier or convenient for its clients to access their services. Through this, they have initiated a 54th branch which was mainly a virtual branch to communicate easily and timely with their clients. Again, he indicated that SSNIT is currently working to operate a co-location initiative where they are liaising with banks across the districts in Ghana to provide easy access to services they provide to workers and pensioners. This will reduce the cost of doing business and improve the services to their customers.
Another essential plan SSNIT wants to introduce is the tele-health initiative which is being done in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) where the 2% that goes to NHIA fund is properly utilized for the benefit of workers who do not have access to clinics or hospitals. In this regard, the tele-health will provide a virtual platform for workers to seek health care services with experts through the tele-health approach.
The Minister of State, as a closing remarks suggested that SSNIT should improve their publicity on the various reforms being implemented and address the concerns of workers in the rural areas where banks are not located for them to access the services on all pension related matters.
The team from PSRS later visited the GRA head office where they met Mr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, the Commissioner-General and some of his management team, Mr. Edward Apenteng Gyamerah, Commissioner, Domestic Tax and Revenue Division; Hon. Dr. Alex Adomako Mensah, Commissioner Support Services Division; among other senior officials.
The Minister gave a brief remark on the essence of the visit which was in line with the familiarization engagement with some public sector institutions. The visit was to learn about GRA’s operations and to understand the reforms being implemented. In response, the Commissioner-General was elated to receive the Minister of State at his office as very unique and commendable.
Mr. Sarpong intimated that GRA since the new reset agenda has identified some strategies mainly to improve the revenue mobilization in the country. Notable among these strategies are the people and culture centred-approach where regular training and development will serve as the driving force; strong revenue mobilization by increasing the collection of revenue by 2028 using policy reforms on Value Added Tax (VAT) among other initiatives; introducing the digital economy by piloting technology and online platforms as well as using Artificial Intelligence tools to support tax classification to complement the tax collection system.
Again, GRA was equally providing an advanced cargo information centre and improving the data collection system and processes as part of the reset strategies. The Commissioner-General was quick to add that GRA was the first to adopt and implemented the 24-hour economy before the President launched it.
At the end of the working visit, the Minister of State was appreciative of GRA sharing their strategies with the team. She encouraged them to keep up their good works of improving the revenue base of our country and also promised that her office will have further engagements with GRA on the finalization of the NPSRS, 2025–2029 document.
The Minister was accompanied by Mrs. Thelma Ohene-Asiamah, Director, General Administration Directorate; Mr. Joseph Abbey, Director, Policy Planning Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate; Mrs Veronica Osei, Director, Human Resource Management Directorate; and some officers at the PSRS.
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