Roadmap to Reform: Ghana’s Infrastructure Transparency Workshop Sparks Change

Mary Awelana Addah, Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), highlighted the urgent need for transparency in public infrastructure management during the National Infrastructure Transparency Index (ITI) workshop held on February 19, 2025.

“Infrastructure is foundational to economic growth and social equity,” she stated, stressing that transparency is vital for ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively and efficiently.

Organized by CoST Ghana in collaboration with GII at the Coconut Groove Hotel in Accra, the workshop brought together government officials, industry leaders, civil society representatives, and media members. The event aimed to foster discussions on strategies to enhance accountability in Ghana’s infrastructure projects.

In her address, Addah addressed the significant challenges faced by Ghana’s infrastructure sector, including cost overruns and project delays, which impede national development. She underscored that a lack of transparency can foster corruption and favouritism in contract awards, noting, “Studies show that countries with high transparency in procurement experience significant cost savings and improved service delivery.”

Isaac Aidoo, Executive Director of CoST Ghana, echoed Addah’s sentiments by emphasizing the necessity of a multi-stakeholder approach to improve transparency in infrastructure delivery. “CoST Ghana is dedicated to empowering stakeholders with the necessary tools to assess and improve transparency in the sector,” he said.

The workshop sought to introduce the ITI framework, foster stakeholder collaboration, and develop a clear implementation plan. Participants were encouraged to engage actively in discussions, ensuring that infrastructure projects align with local needs while promoting inclusiveness and accountability.

As the workshop drew to a close, there was a shared sense of optimism about the potential impact of the ITI on Ghana’s infrastructure landscape. Both Aidoo and Addah reiterated the importance of proactive commitment from all parties involved to disclose infrastructure project data and maintain high ethical standards in procurement.

Their unified vision is to cultivate a more effective and transparent infrastructure development process that ultimately benefits all citizens.