A release copied to the Ghana News Agency on Thursday said the Summit would bring together Heads of States and Senior Government Officials, Civil Society Leaders and other partners from across the world to “exchange experiences, share best practices, review progress on open governance reforms and the implementation of National Action Plans.”

The Open Government Partnership Ghana Office is under the auspices of the Public Sector Reform Secretariat.
It said the OGP was an international voluntary initiative that sought to secure the commitment of governments to deepening democratic governance through the promotion of transparency, accountability, active citizen participation, technology and innovation to enhance key elements of good governance.

In 2011, government leaders and civil society advocates came together to create a unique partnership to promote transparent, participatory, inclusive, and accountable governance.

Eight founding member countries; Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, Philippines, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States endorsed an Open Government Declaration and announced their country action plans.

From 2011 to date, OGP members have grown from eight to 76 National level membership, and 150 local Open Government Partnership members with seven from Ghana.
The members of the Ghana delegation include Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), some Members of Parliament, key sector ministers, government and public officials, and some leaders of civil society organisations.

“This joint delegation reflects Ghana’s unwavering commitment to the principles of Transparency, Accountability, Citizen’s Participation and Innovation in governance,” the release added.

The Public Sector Reform Secretariat and the OGP Ghana Office reaffirmed government’s dedication to “advancing governance reforms that foster trust among public institutions and promote sustainable development for all.”

OGP is based on the idea that “an open government is more accessible, more responsive, and more accountable to citizens, and that improving the relationship between people and their government has long-term, exponential benefits for everyone.”

The model ensures that Civil Society Organisations or direct citizen engagement has a role in shaping and overseeing the performance of governments.

Collectively, more than 5,500 commitments have been made globally, according to officials.
The organisation aims to “inspire, connect, and enable an ever-growing community of reformers and champions from government and civil society to take action together.”