Enhancing Transparency in Ghana’s Infrastructure: Insights from the National Infrastructure Transparency Index Workshop
Human Rights Reporters
2 min read
On February 19, 2025, the Coconut Groove Hotel in Accra hosted a pivotal workshop focused on the National Infrastructure Transparency Index (ITI), organized by CoST Ghana and the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII).
The event gathered officials from various ministries, industry leaders, civil society representatives, and media personnel to discuss strategies for improving transparency and accountability in public infrastructure projects.
Isaac Aidoo, Executive Director of CoST Ghana, opened the workshop by welcoming attendees and emphasizing the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach in enhancing transparency in infrastructure delivery. “CoST Ghana is dedicated to facilitating transparency and participation in the delivery of publicly funded infrastructure projects,” Aidoo stated.
He elaborated on the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative (ITI), designed to equip stakeholders with essential tools for assessing and improving transparency in the sector.
Aidoo highlighted the workshop’s objectives, which included introducing the ITI framework, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and establishing a clear implementation plan.
He expressed hope that participants would leave with a comprehensive understanding of the ITI and a commitment to its implementation.
Mary Awelana Addah, Executive Director of GII, followed with a powerful address underscoring the critical role of transparency in public infrastructure development.
“Infrastructure is the foundation upon which national development is built,” she asserted, pointing out the challenges Ghana faces, such as cost overruns and project delays.
Addah emphasized that transparency is essential for ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and effectively, helping to prevent corruption and favouritism in contract awards.
The GII Executive Director discussed the ITI’s role in identifying weaknesses in procurement and contract management, asserting that the index is a vital tool for driving reforms and mitigating corruption risks in infrastructure projects.
She noted that an estimated 10% of infrastructure projects initiated by the Ministry of Monitoring and Public Procurement (MMPPs) remain incomplete, leading to wasted resources and deprived communities.
Addah called for collective action among government entities, the private sector, and civil society to promote transparency and accountability.
She urged all stakeholders to commit to disclosing infrastructure project data and upholding ethical procurement standards.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism about the ITI’s potential impact on Ghana’s infrastructure landscape.
Both Aidoo and Addah reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration aimed at enhancing transparency and combating corruption in public projects.
Their shared vision is to create a more effective and trustworthy infrastructure development process that ultimately benefits all Ghanaians.
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