The Minister of State in charge of Public Sector Reforms, Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, has urged Parliament to deepen its commitment to open government to mark Open Government Partnership (OGP) Week.
Delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament, the Tempane MP noted that the week is observed globally from 18 to 22 May each year to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.
“Ghana became a member of the Open Government Partnership in September 2011,” she told the House. “This is a global initiative that brings together governments and civil society to promote transparent, participatory, inclusive, and accountable governance.”
The Public Sector Reform Secretariat, which the Minister oversees, serves as Ghana’s OGP Secretariat. The body coordinates the implementation of national action plans developed through a co-creation process with civil society.
Akanvariba highlighted key reforms achieved under the OGP, including the passage of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), the establishment of a public beneficial ownership register, and the launch of open data platforms in health, education, and extractives.
She also noted Ghana’s international recognition, stating, “At the 2023 OGP Global Summit in Tallinn, Estonia, Ghana won the Africa Regional Award for its commitment on the Public Accounts Committee and audit reports.”
The Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Assembly was also recognised for its youth and women empowerment programme.
The Minister commended Parliament for launching an Open Parliament Action Plan and establishing an OGP Caucus. “The Open Parliament Steering Committee, co-chaired by the Rt. Hon. Speaker and a civil society representative, demonstrates Parliament’s commitment to openness,” she said.
Despite these gains, Akanvariba acknowledged that implementation challenges persist.
She called for adequate funding for the Fifth National Action Plan, broader consultations outside Accra, and the urgent passage of pending legislation, including the Community Service Bill 2026 and the Legislative Instrument required to fully operationalise the RTI Act.
“OGP should not be seen as a donor-driven project,” she stressed. “It is a national reform agenda owned by Parliament, the Executive, and the people of Ghana to deepen democratic governance and restore public trust.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
