Paving the way for integrity: GII champions transparency in infrastructure development

Mary Awelana Addah, Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), emphasized the critical need for transparency in public infrastructure management during the National Infrastructure Transparency Index (ITI) workshop on February 19, 2025.

“Infrastructure is foundational to economic growth and social equity,” she stated, highlighting that transparency is essential for ensuring public funds are managed efficiently and effectively.

Held at the Coconut Groove Hotel in Accra and organized by CoST Ghana in collaboration with GII, the workshop gathered officials from various ministries, industry leaders, civil society representatives, and members of the media.

The goal was to discuss strategies for enhancing accountability in infrastructure projects across the nation.

Addah discussed the significant challenges facing Ghana’s infrastructure sector, including cost overruns and project delays, which ultimately hinder effective national development.

She pointed out that a lack of transparency can lead to corruption and favoritism in contract awards. “Studies show that countries with high transparency in procurement experience significant cost savings and improved service delivery,” she added.

Following Addah’s remarks, Isaac Aidoo, Executive Director of CoST Ghana, reaffirmed the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to bolster transparency in infrastructure delivery.

He stated, “CoST Ghana is dedicated to empowering stakeholders with the necessary tools to assess and improve transparency in the sector.”

The workshop aimed to introduce the ITI framework, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and establish a clear implementation plan.

Participants were encouraged to engage actively in discussions, ensuring that infrastructure projects align with local needs and promote inclusiveness and accountability.

As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism about the ITI’s potential impact on Ghana’s infrastructure landscape.

Both Aidoo and Addah reiterated the need for proactive commitment from all parties involved to disclose infrastructure project data and uphold high ethical standards in procurement.

Their collective vision is to create a more effective and transparent infrastructure development process that ultimately benefits all citizens.

Source:Joseph Wemakor

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