On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, Ghana’s Parliament opened the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus which promises to mark a significant step towards increasing transparency, accountability and citizen participation in governance.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Rt. Hon Speaker of Ghana’s 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic, S. K. Alban Bagbin.
Ghana, being one of the 77 member countries of the OGP globally, has actively participated in advancing the principles of good governance through collaborative efforts between governments and civil society organizations.
During the ceremony, Hon. Yaw Osafo Maafo, the Senior Presidential Advisor and Chairman of the National OGP Steering Committee, emphasized the importance of promoting transparency and openness in Ghana. He stated, “If Parliament takes it seriously, it will help the whole country to do it easily.”
He highlighted Ghana’s history with the OGP, having joined in September 2011 and successfully implemented four action plans, with the fifth plan set to be unveiled by the end of December.
In his address, Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Bagbin stressed the need for Parliament to actively engage in open government reforms. He revealed that Parliament is in the process of finalizing its Open Parliament Action Plan to align with commitments and milestones outlined in the Fifth National Action Plan, set for implementation later this year.
“I am happy to announce that the plan will soon be finalized and launched,” declared Rt. Hon. Speaker Bagbin. He encouraged Members of Parliament to actively collaborate with OGP stakeholders, including civil society organizations, and utilize oversight tools such as parliamentary questions to ensure the successful implementation of commitments made in National Action Plans.
The inauguration ceremony saw the outdoor of 10 members of the OGP Caucus, comprising Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah (MP-Ho West), AMA Pomaa Boateng (MP-JUABEN), Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor (MP-South Dayi), Dakoa Newman (MP-Okaikwi South), Kinsley Nyarko (MP-Kwadaso), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (MP-La Dadekotopon), Hon. Hamza Adam (MP-Kumbungu), Agnes Naa Momo Lartey (MP-Krowor), Suleman Adamu Sanid (MP- Ahafo Ano North), and Alexander Akwasi Acquah (MP-Akim Oda).
With the inauguration of the OGP Caucus, Ghana’s Parliament aims to strengthen its oversight role in ensuring the effective implementation of the National OGP commitments and promoting a more transparent and engaging legislative process.