Ghana’s inaugural National Infrastructure Transparency Index (ITI) Survey Report shows progress in transparency across the infrastructure sector but also identifies key weaknesses that need urgent fixes to strengthen project delivery and public trust.
The ITI is the nation’s first national evaluation of transparency and efficiency in public infrastructure systems, according to Minister of State for Public Sector Reforms Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, who introduced the report in Accra and referred to the results as a “turning point.”
To address the shortcomings uncovered in the survey, the Minister revealed that government will establish a Value for Money Office in the coming year. The office will be tasked with enforcing cost standards, tightening oversight mechanisms, and improving accountability in infrastructure expenditure.
The ITI is a worldwide tool that measures transparency, participation, and accountability in public infrastructure delivery. It evaluates how effectively governments release and use infrastructure data throughout project planning and execution. Ghana scored 85.76 percent—over 14 points higher than its previous sub-national score—placing it ahead of several countries with more established infrastructure reform histories.
Madam Akanvariba said the ITI is crucial because it helps reduce corruption, prevents mismanagement, and boosts public trust in government spending. “Reliable and timely infrastructure data empowers oversight bodies and citizens to demand accountability,” she stated. She urged stakeholders to use the report as a “working tool” to drive reforms and improve public services.
In her remarks, Samina Bhatia, Deputy Development Director at the British High Commission, described the unveiling of Ghana’s inaugural ITI as an important step forward—one that reinforces the UK–Ghana development relationship and supports improved governance in infrastructure delivery. She added that the UK is pleased that infrastructure continues to feature prominently in Ghana’s national priorities, especially with the major investments projected under the “Big Push” initiative.
“If significant public funds and public–private partnerships are going into infrastructure, we must ensure that every penny delivers real impact for Ghanaian citizens. The UK is a long-standing partner of Ghana, and we are keen to see the country make leaps and bounds in its progress. Infrastructure will be key to delivering that,” She emphasised.
According to Ms. Bhatia, the UK and Ghana are united by a common vision of economic progress and broader prosperity, a vision that relies heavily on strong infrastructure systems, including transport networks, water supply, education, and health facilities.
Through initiatives like the Open Government Partnership, the Ghana Governance Programme, and the Green Cities Infrastructure Programme, she emphasized the UK’s ongoing support for accountability and good governance.
In order to maintain the momentum generated by the ITI and further Ghana’s shift toward transparent, data-driven, and citizen-centered infrastructure governance, the event ended with a fresh appeal to the public, corporate, and civil society sectors.
Source: GBC News