<p><strong>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).</strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>He elaborated on the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative (ITI), designed to equip stakeholders with essential tools for assessing and improving transparency in the sector.</p>
<p>Aidoo highlighted the workshop&#8217;s objectives, which included introducing the ITI framework, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and establishing a clear implementation plan.</p>
<p>He expressed hope that participants would leave with a comprehensive understanding of the ITI and a commitment to its implementation.</p>
<p>Mary Awelana Addah, Executive Director of GII, followed with a powerful address underscoring the critical role of transparency in public infrastructure development.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The GII Executive Director discussed the ITI&#8217;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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Addah called for collective action among government entities, the private sector, and civil society to promote transparency and accountability.</p>
<p>She urged all stakeholders to commit to disclosing infrastructure project data and upholding ethical procurement standards.</p>
<p>As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism about the ITI&#8217;s potential impact on Ghana&#8217;s infrastructure landscape.</p>
<p>Both Aidoo and Addah reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration aimed at enhancing transparency and combating corruption in public projects.</p>
<p>Their shared vision is to create a more effective and trustworthy infrastructure development process that ultimately benefits all Ghanaians.</p>