The Parliament of Ghana marked a historic milestone June 30, 2025, with the official launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan, coinciding with the commemoration of International Parliamentarianism Day at the D. F. Annan Auditorium within Parliament House, heavily attended by government officials, civil society representatives, and stakeholders committed to advancing transparent and accountable governance.
“The launch of this Open Parliament Action Plan exemplifies Ghana’s unwavering dedication to transparency, accountability, and civic participation,” he stated. “It sets a powerful example of how legislative openness can strengthen public trust and empower citizens to participate actively in governance.”
Delivering a solidarity message on behalf of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Steering Committee, the Minister of State for Public Sector Reforms, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba expressed pride in Ghana’s progress toward fostering a more open and inclusive democracy. She highlighted the collaborative effort involved in co-creating the Action Plan, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between Parliament, civil society, and citizens.
The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the plan, noting that the Independent Reporting Mechanism of the OGP recognized Ghana’s Open Parliament commitment among the most promising in its 2023-2027 review.
Madam Lydia urged Parliament to prioritize the full realization of the commitments outlined in the plan, particularly those aimed at enhancing access to legislative information and encouraging public engagement.
“Together, we can make Ghana’s Parliament a beacon of openness regionally and globally,” The Minister added.
The event also celebrated the collaborative efforts of Parliament leadership, civil society organizations, and Ghanaian citizens whose efforts have helped bring this vision to fruition. The Minister called on all stakeholders to continue working together to build a more responsive and transparent democracy that serves the needs of every Ghanaian.
Below is the full statement:
SOLIDARITY MESSAGE DELIVERED BY MINISTER OF STATE, PUBLIC SECTOR REFORMS AT THE COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL PARLIAMENTARIANISM DAY AND LAUNCH OF THE OPEN PARLIAMENT ACTION PLAN AT THE D. F. ANNAN AUDITORIUM, JOB 600, PARLIAMENT HOUSE, ON MONDAY, 30TH JUNE, 2025
On behalf of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Steering Committee of Ghana, it is with immense pride and solidarity that I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Parliament of Ghana on the historic launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan and the commemoration of the International Parliamentarianism Day.
This significant milestone underscores Ghana’s unwavering dedication to fostering a transparent, accountable, and inclusive democracy. The co-creation of this action plan, through meaningful collaboration between Parliament, Civil Society, and stakeholders, exemplifies the spirit of OGP and sets a powerful example of how legislative openness can strengthen public trust and empower citizens. By prioritizing accessible legislative processes and robust civic engagement, this Plan paves the way for a Parliament that truly reflects the aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
As Chair of the OGP National Steering Committee, I reaffirm our steadfast commitment to supporting the implementation of this transformative Action Plan. We stand ready to work alongside Parliament, Civil Society, and all partners to ensure that the commitments outlined, whether enhancing access to legislative information, promoting public participation, or strengthening accountability, are fully realized. Together, we can make Ghana’s Parliament a beacon of openness and a model for the region.
It is noteworthy that the Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) of the Open Government Partnership Support Unit, in its 2023-2027 Action Plan Review, recognized the Open Parliament commitment within Ghana’s 5th OGP National Action Plan as one of the two most promising commitments among 15 others for delivering transformative open government outcomes. The IRM noted, and I quote, “This commitment sets out clear, targeted activities addressing critical policy areas and, if fully implemented, could drive substantial changes in practices, policies, and institutions to advance open government.”
I seize this opportunity to urge Parliament to prioritize the robust implementation of this Action Plan, particularly the Open Parliament commitment, within Ghana’s 5th Open Government Partnership National Action Plan for 2024-2028. By doing so, the Parliament of Ghana can continue to shine as a regional and global beacon of transparent and accountable governance.
I express my deepest gratitude to the leadership of the Parliament of Ghana, civil society organizations, and citizens whose tireless efforts have brought this vision to life. Let us continue this collaborative journey to build a more open, responsive, and accountable democracy that serves every Ghanaian.
Thank you.
