GHANA’S OGP MID-TERM REVIEW: PROGRESS, GAPS, AND THE PATH TO DEEPER ACCOUNTABILITY
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