The pursuit of transparency and accountability in Ghana’s governance has been a longstanding priority. One of the most promising tools in achieving this goal is open data—information that is publicly accessible, usable, modifiable, and shareable by anyone, for any purpose. Open data serves as a critical enabler of inclusive governance by empowering citizens, civil society organisations (CSOs), journalists, and policymakers to monitor public sector performance and influence decision-making.
By making government data available and accessible, open data strengthens transparency and citizen oversight. It enables individuals and organisations to scrutinise public expenditure, evaluate policy outcomes, and hold duty bearers accountable. Additionally, it supports evidence-based discourse and policy formulation, facilitating more informed public engagement.
Successful Implementations in Ghana
Several initiatives in Ghana exemplify the effective use of open data to promote public accountability:
- Anti-Corruption Measures: President-elect John Dramani Mahama established an anti-corruption team in December 2024 tasked with investigating possible corruption cases and providing evidence to hold those responsible accountable. The team’s diverse membership, which includes an investigative journalist and a former auditor general, reflects a commitment to transparency and data-driven tactics in the fight against corruption.
- Combating Electoral Misinformation: The Ghana Fact-checking Coalition (GFC) used a system of data verifiers to offset electoral misinformation during the 2024 elections. The GFC efficiently found and corrected false information by working with more than 100 media outlets and using artificial intelligence technologies, therefore preserving the integrity of the electoral process.
- CDD-Ghana’s “I Am Aware” Project: The Centre for Democratic Development’s “I Am Aware Project” is a very good case of how open data can be used to promote public accountability. By gathering and sharing government service delivery data at the district level on its platform, the project enables citizens to evaluate the quality of services and influence improvement in the governance process. Among the key features of the “I Am Aware” platform is a comparative ranking of districts through the District League Table and a text system through which citizens can receive information on their mobile phones, enabling more public involvement and informed discussion.
BudgIT Ghana’s Tracka Project: Empowering Citizens through Open Data
BudgIT Ghana is significantly promoting open data and public accountability with its novel platform, Tracka. Launched in 2024, Tracka is designed to empower citizens by equipping them with the tools necessary for them to track, report, and interact with government projects within their locality. It demands openness and guarantees public funds are spent effectively.
The Tracka platform plays a major role in enhancing open data and accountability through;
- Citizen Engagement in Project Monitoring:
Tracka allows citizens and civil society organizations to gain access to in-depth information regarding government projects, such as budgets, timelines, and statuses of implementation. Through the availability of such access, citizens are able to monitor the progress and quality of public projects, promoting citizens’ active role and participation in governance processes at the grassroots level.
- User-Friendly Digital Platform:
Tracka platform enables the public to give information on current government projects within their communities and districts, report inconsistencies, and give feedback on project progress. This civic involvement does not only promote transparency but also invites people’s active engagement in the governance process.
- Community Empowerment through Technology:
The Tracka platform bridges that gap between government activities and oversight by the citizens through technology. It makes available a space where users can collaborate, share ideas and insights and hold government officials to account for service delivery.
With the Tracka platform, BudgIT Ghana is leveraging the potential of open data to revolutionize public accountability. By empowering citizens with the information and tools they need, Tracka promotes a culture of transparency and participatory governance to ensure that development projects are designed to address the needs and aspirations of the citizens they are meant to serve.
Challenges in Embracing Open Data
Despite its benefits, the adoption of open data in Ghana faces several challenges:
- Data Quality and Standardization: Ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data remains a significant hurdle. Inconsistent data formats and lack of standardisation can impede effective analysis and utilisation.
- Limited Technical Capacity: There is a shortage of skilled personnel capable of managing, analyzing, and interpreting open data. This skills gap hinders the effective implementation of open data initiatives.
- Privacy and Security Concerns: Balancing transparency with the protection of sensitive information poses a challenge. Ensuring that open data initiatives do not compromise individual privacy or national security is paramount.
- Infrastructure Constraints: Inadequate technological infrastructure can limit access to open data, particularly in rural areas. Reliable internet connectivity and digital tools are essential for widespread data accessibility.
Opportunities for Advancing Open Data
To overcome these challenges and harness the full potential of open data, several opportunities can be explored:
- Capacity Building: Investing in training programs to enhance data literacy among government officials, journalists, and citizens can empower stakeholders to effectively engage with open data.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organizations can facilitate resource sharing, innovation, and the development of robust open data platforms.
- Policy and Legal Frameworks: Establishing clear policies and legal frameworks that mandate data sharing and define standards for data quality and privacy can provide a solid foundation for open data initiatives.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging citizen participation in data collection and utilization can enhance the relevance and impact of open data, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.
Conclusion
Open data holds immense potential to revolutionize public accountability in Ghana by promoting transparency, enhancing citizen engagement, and informing policy decisions. While challenges exist, strategic investments in capacity building, infrastructure, and legal frameworks can unlock the transformative power of open data. As Ghana continues on its path toward transparent and accountable governance, embracing open data will be instrumental in achieving these objectives.