Speaker Alban S.K. Bagbin has inaugurated the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus within the Parliament of Ghana, solidifying the nation’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.
Ghana’s alignment with the OGP in 2011 marked a pivotal step in endorsing global initiatives aimed at promoting open government reforms.
Over the past decade, the OGP has garnered substantial international support, uniting reformers worldwide to fortify governance and democracy.
During the inauguration on Tuesday, November 28, Speaker Bagbin highlighted the intrinsic link between OGP principles and Parliament’s oversight, legislative, and accountability functions.
“The Open Government Partnership emphasizes the importance of accountability in governance,” he stated. “It is for this reason that governments develop National Action Plans with specific commitments and monitoring mechanisms. Ghana, since joining the process, has developed and implemented four National Action Plans.”
Alban Bagbin underscored Parliament’s dedication to openness, revealing the commitment to establish an OGP Caucus in the fourth action plan.
He announced the ongoing process of finalizing an Open Parliament Action Plan in line with the Declaration on Parliamentary Openness.
Encouraging active participation from Members of Parliament, the Speaker urged MPs to engage in the development of OGP National Action Plans, ensuring parliamentary perspectives are incorporated.
He emphasized the importance of leveraging oversight tools, such as parliamentary questions, to hold the government accountable for OGP commitments.
“Today, we stand at the threshold of making history as one of the few parliaments in the world that has established an OGP Caucus.”
“The Caucus is made up of Members of Parliament committed to the principles of OGP and ready to champion its cause in Ghana. I do not doubt that the work of the Caucus will distinguish the Parliament of Ghana within the OGP community,” he stated.
The OGP Caucus comprises ten members namely; Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, MP for Ho West and also the Chair person; Ama Pomaa Boateng, MP for Juaben, Vice Chair; Rockson Nelson Defamekpor, MP for South Dayi; Dokua Newman, MP for Okaikwei South; Professor Hamza Adam, MP for Kunbungu; Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, MP for Krowor; Alexander Akwasi Acquah, MP for Akyem Oda;
Senior Presidential Advisor and Chairman of the National OGP Steering Committee, Hon. Yaw Osafo Maafo, commended the establishment of the OGP Caucus, emphasizing its significance in enhancing oversight of national commitments.
He stressed the importance of Ghana promoting transparency and openness, stating, “If Parliament takes the OGP seriously, it will help the whole country.”
Executive Director of Parliamentary Network (PN) Africa, Sammy Obeng, highlighted the collaborative efforts between CSOs and state institutions.
He expressed excitement about Ghana’s commitments to the Open Government Partnership action plan, particularly in openness, and underscored the vital role of parliament in ensuring proper oversight, facilitating dialogue, and taking legislative actions to promote openness.
Mr. Obeng emphasized the need for civil society to closely collaborate with parliament to achieve these goals.