The IMANI Center for Policy and Education has commended the government’s accountability and transparency initiative, the ‘Government Accountability Series,’ describing it as “an innovative ‘reset’ experiment with transparency.”
In its latest “Critical Analysis of Governance Issues (CAGI)” report, IMANI pointed out how the government’s Accountability Series is a reflection of the essence of governance in a democratic nation, rooted in transparency and accountability.
“Citizens entrust leaders with power not for its own sake, but for the advancement of the public good. It is therefore refreshing when governments take deliberate steps to render account of their stewardship to the very people who elected them.
“When the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government promised to “reset” Ghana, few anticipated that one of its most enduring legacies would be the institutionalization of the Government Accountability Series (GAS)—a platform where Ministers of State take turns to brief the public on the actions and inactions of their ministries.”
IMANI Center for Policy and Education
The report stated that the government’s accountability initiative has demonstrated tangible impact, going beyond mere symbolism to inspire meaningful change, foster community engagement, and drive measurable progress in terms of citizens’ knowledge of the actions and inactions of ministers.
IMANI emphasized that the initiative has spotlighted lesser-known ministries and ministers, elevating their visibility and contributions. Adding that it has offered new perspectives on the efforts of ministers who are always in the news, enriching public understanding and appreciation of their roles, by bridging the gap between obscurity and prominence, it fosters a more balanced view of governance and encourages broader engagement with public service.
“For the ordinary citizen, GAS has become a window into the machinery of government, offering a structured opportunity to hear directly from duty bearers.
“Unlike in the past, the public and the media no longer have to rely solely on the Right to Information Act (Act 989), 2019, wait for Parliamentary Question Time, or depend on the occasional briefings by Chief Directors at the Information Ministry. GAS has reframed accountability as a direct encounter: duty bearers versus the people.”
IMANI Center for Policy and Education
IMANI further pointed out the fact that the government’s accountability series has faced controversy with respect to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice whenever he mounts the platform to give updates on ongoing criminal cases.
“Critics argue that such briefings risk “prejudging” suspects, undermining the constitutional principle that one is presumed innocent until proven guilty.” IMANI stated.
IMANI noted that the approach of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is also caught up in the same controversy and criticism, with the most notable case of the OSP being the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.
“The concern is that these updates, while intended to promote transparency, may inadvertently shift the battleground from the courtroom to the media space.” IMANI stated.
IMANI further stated some of the critical questions that arise in the face of this criticism, including whether it is right for critics to demand that the fight against corruption be strictly confined to the courts or “duty bearers owe it to the people to provide regular updates on the progress of cases, especially when corruption is at the heart of public discontent?”
IMANI emphasized that “corruption is not only a legal infraction but also a matter of perception,” adding that perception is a key component of governance as it shapes legitimacy just as reality does. The report stated that keeping citizens uninformed creates mistrust, while keeping them informed, however imperfect, may strengthen confidence in public institutions.
“The tension, then, lies in balancing two imperatives: the right of the public to know and the right of suspects to a fair trial. Transparency must not become trial by media, yet silence must not breed suspicion.
“The challenge for Ghana’s accountability architecture is to design communication strategies that inform without prejudicing, that educate without sensationalizing, and that build trust without eroding due process.”
IMANI Center for Policy and Education
IMANI stated that the two initiatives, the Government Accountability Series and the OSP’s briefings, are a representation of a resolve to redefine the relationship between the state and citizens.
“They signal a recognition that accountability is not a favor bestowed by leaders but a duty owed to the people. The criticisms, though valid, should not obscure the broader value of these initiatives.
“Instead, they should serve as reminders that accountability mechanisms must evolve with care, ensuring that transparency does not come at the expense of justice.”
IMANI Center for Policy and Education
IMANI noted that even though the fight against corruption may be about perception, it also has to do with prosecution.
IMANI therefore emphasized that the strengthening of Ghana’s democratic experiment “must continue to innovate in ways that keep citizens informed while safeguarding the rights of all,” adding that accountability, as the government seeks to achieve, is not a destination but a journey, “one that requires constant recalibration between openness and fairness, between the demands of justice and the expectations of the people.”
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