The Minister of State for Public Sector Reforms and Member of Parliament, Tempane Constituency, Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba read a joint statement on the floor of the Parliament of Ghana to commemorate the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Week.

In the statement, she applauded Ghana for adopting the OGP Principles to advance democratic rule and enhanced public service delivery. She also announced to the House key achievements attained by the country locally and globally through the implementation of the National Action Plans.

Despite the Achievement, she emphasized that “sustained progress requires renewed commitment”. She therefore called on Parliament and the Executive to provide adequate funding, enhance parliamentary oversight, deepen multi-stakeholder collaboration and prioritize the passage and implementation of pending legislative commitments under the 5^th National Action Plan.

Read the full Statement Below

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OPEN GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP (OGP) INITIATIVE IN GHANA AND CELEBRATION OF OGP WEEK 18^TH – 22^ND MAY, 2026 HON. LYDIA LAMISI AKANVARIBA, MP FOR TEMPANE CONSTITUENCY AND MINISTER OF STATE, PUBLIC SECTOR REFORMS, AND HON. EMMANUEL K. BEDZRAH, MP FOR HO WEST CONSTITUENCY AND CHAIRMAN OF THE OGP CAUCUS IN PARLIAMENT.

Mr. Speaker, I rise, to make a Joint Statement with my colleague on the implementation of the Open Government Partnership in Ghana and commemoration of OGP week which falls on the 18^th – 22^nd May annually.

Ghana has been a member of the Open Government Partnership since its inception in September 2011.

Mr. Speaker, in line with the globally accepted standards, Ghana’s OGP operates through a co-creation process involving government, civil society, and other stakeholders. The Public Sector Reform Secretariat, under the Office of the President, serves as its national Secretariat.

A 20-member Steering Committee, with equal representation from government and civil society co-chaired by my good self and a representative from Civil Society oversees the development and monitoring of National Action Plans. This National Steering Committee includes two Members of parliament from both sides of this House.

Mr. Speaker, since joining the Open Government Partnership, Ghana has achieved notable results through the OGP platform. These include the passage and operationalization of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989); the establishment of a public beneficial ownership register; reforms in public financial management driven by the Public Accounts Committee and Audit Reports commitment; and the strengthening of open data initiatives in sectors such as health, education, and extractives. Around half of the commitments in Ghana’s last concluded Action Plan achieved moderately early results, with progress particularly evident in access to information and corporate transparency.

This Parliament of Ghana has also been a significant player in the country’s OGP efforts, following the launch of an Open Parliament Action Plan, the establishment of an OGP Caucus in Parliament, an Open Parliament Steering Committee co-chaired by Mr. Speaker himself and a representative from Civil Society, as well as an Open Parliament Working Group that comprises of senior staff of parliament working in concert with collaborators from civil society organizations.

Rt. Hon. Speaker, Ghana’s participation in the OGP has also gained continental and global recognition. At the 2023 Open Government Awards held during the OGP Global Summit in Tallinn, Estonia, Ghana won the Africa Regional Award in the National Category for its commitment to “Public Accounts Committee and Audit Reports,” which was cited as the most inspirational reform for enhancing accountability and transparency. Additionally, Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly – an OGP Local member – was recognized in the Local Category for its Youth Entrepreneurship and Women Empowerment Programme. In 2021, Ghana’s Open Data Initiative implemented in 2013 received the OGP Impact Award for innovations such as “Where My Money Dey” and the “Online Blood Bank of Ghana.”

Recently at the African Open Government Partnership Conference held in Rabat, Morocco, Ghana was touted for its Open Parliament tenets, and as a country working to mainstream OGP across the State. Ghana is building an ecosystem that connects national reform with parliamentary openness, local innovation, civil society engagement, and citizen participation.

Mr. Speaker, while these achievements are commendable, sustained progress requires renewed commitment. I therefore call on this august House and the Executive, on this occasion of Open Government Week, to:

1. Provide adequate financial and political support for the full implementation, midpoint refresh of the 5^th National Action Plan and OGP in its entirety in Ghana.
2. Strengthen Parliament’s institutional role in the OGP process through the Open Government Parliamentary Caucus, the Open Parliament Action Plan, and the Open Parliament Steering Committee – which under the auspices of Mr. Speaker, is working towards providing an extensive briefing of the Committee of the Whole House on OGP in the coming days.
3. Deepen multi-stakeholder engagements to ensure that consultations extend beyond Accra and reflect the voices of citizens in all regions.
4. Prioritize the passage and implementation of pending legislative commitments such as the Community Service Bill 2026, Legislative Instruments to operationalize the following Acts. The Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146) to consolidate gains in transparency and accountability.

Mr. Speaker, the Open Government Partnership remains a valuable platform for Ghana to deepen democratic governance and restore public trust. It is imperative that we treat its implementation not as a donor-driven project, but as a national reform agenda owned by Parliament, the Executive branch, and the people of Ghana.

I thank you, Rt. Hon. Speaker, for the opportunity.

Written By: Evelyn Adzovi Addor 

With Support from: OGP-European Union 

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 5^th National Action Plan (NAP-5) implementation. The meeting was held virtually on Thursday, 26^th 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 5^th 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 5^th  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 5^th 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 5^th 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