Parliament has been called upon to strengthen efforts aimed at rebuilding public trust in democratic governance through the effective implementation of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Ghana.
The appeal was made on the floor of Parliament last Friday by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs for Tempane and Ho West, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba and Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, during proceedings marking the 2026 Open Government Week, observed from May 18 to 22.
They noted that transparency, accountability and responsiveness within state institutions are key to strengthening public confidence in governance and democratic processes.
According to them, the Open Government Partnership remains a vital platform for deepening democratic governance, linking national reforms with parliamentary openness, local innovation, civil society engagement and citizen participation.
The OGP is a multilateral initiative that brings together governments and civil society to promote transparency, combat corruption and improve governance systems.
The MPs highlighted several achievements under Ghana’s participation in the initiative since 2011, including the passage of the Right to Information Act, the establishment of a Public Beneficial Ownership Register, and reforms in public financial management.
They also pointed to institutional developments within Parliament, such as the creation of an Open Parliament Action Plan, an OGP Caucus, and a Steering Committee chaired by the Speaker.
Ghana’s efforts, they added, have received both continental and international recognition, including an African Regional Award at the 2023 OGP Global Summit in Tallinn, Estonia, for reforms linked to the Public Accounts Committee and audit processes.
However, the lawmakers stressed that sustaining these gains will require stronger political and financial commitment from both the Executive and Parliament, alongside deeper engagement with stakeholders across all regions.
They further called for the passage of outstanding legislative instruments to enhance transparency and accountability, urging that the initiative be treated as a national reform agenda rather than a donor-driven project.
“It is imperative that we treat this implementation not as a donor-driven project but as a national reform agenda owned by Parliament, the executive, and the people of Ghana,” they said.
Contributing to the debate, New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Effia, Isaac Boamah-Nyarko, stressed that the OGP must move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible improvements in transparency and accountability.
He said government institutions should proactively keep citizens informed on key national issues, adding that open governance must be reflected in everyday public life.
The NDC MP for Kumbungu, Hamza Adam, outlined progress made by the Parliamentary OGP Caucus, noting that it has engaged ministries, departments and agencies to promote accountability and citizen participation.
He said the initiative has moved from theory into practical engagement with institutions and civil society organisations.
The Second Deputy Minority Whip and NPP MP for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, raised concerns about what he described as a growing culture of silence, warning against any attempt to discourage free expression in governance matters.
Meanwhile, the NDC MP for Kwesimintsim, Philip Fiifi Buckman, cautioned that while democratic participation is important, it must be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law to protect peace and stability.
He noted that citizens have the right to express themselves, but must do so in a way that does not undermine national cohesion or public order.