Author: Daniel Sasu

Ghana’s reputation for fiscal openness has suffered a major setback after the country recorded a sharp decline in its latest Open Budget Survey performance, raising fresh concerns over transparency, accountability, and citizens’ ability to track public spending.

The latest assessment by the International Budget Partnership (IBP) shows that Ghana’s budget transparency score dropped dramatically from 46 percent in 2023 to just 22 percent in 2025, placing the country far below the Sub-Saharan African average of 38 percent.

A MAJOR WARNING SIGN FOR PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY

The decline has triggered concerns among governance experts and civil society groups, who warn that limited access to budget information could make it harder for citizens, journalists, and institutions to scrutinise how public funds are managed.

The survey indicates that delays in publishing key financial documents — including the Executive’s Budget Proposal, Citizens’ Budget, and some In-Year Reports — contributed significantly to Ghana’s poor transparency rating.

CITIZENS LEFT WITH FEWER TOOLS TO MONITOR GOVERNMENT SPENDING

The report suggests that reduced access to timely budget information weakens public participation in national financial decisions and limits the ability of citizens and civil society organisations to demand accountability from government.

For a country that has long promoted democratic governance and institutional accountability, the decline has renewed debate about whether enough is being done to ensure openness in the management of state resources.

SOME IMPROVEMENTS, BUT QUESTIONS REMAIN

Despite the fall in transparency, Ghana recorded slight improvements in other areas. Public participation increased from 17 percent in 2023 to 22 percent in 2025, while budget oversight by key institutions improved from 28 percent to 33 percent.

However, analysts say the gains are not enough to offset the wider concerns about access to information and public involvement in the budget process.

CALLS FOR URGENT REFORMS

The findings have renewed calls for government to publish budget documents on time, expand citizen involvement in budget discussions, strengthen parliamentary oversight, and improve systems that allow the public to monitor government expenditure.

As Ghana continues its democratic journey, the latest Open Budget Survey score serves as a powerful reminder: without transparency, public trust in financial governance remains at risk.

The future of financial technology is set for a major boost as Hack54 steps up efforts to tackle pressing challenges facing the fintech sector through innovation, collaboration, and technology-driven solutions.

The initiative is bringing together bright minds, developers, entrepreneurs, and industry players to create practical solutions aimed at addressing key problems affecting digital finance, including accessibility, security, efficiency, and financial inclusion.

Organisers say Hack54 is designed to inspire fresh ideas and empower innovators to develop tools that can transform the way people access and use financial services.

With fintech rapidly reshaping the financial landscape, the programme is expected to provide a platform for participants to identify real-world challenges and build solutions capable of making a lasting impact.

Industry stakeholders believe initiatives like Hack54 could play a critical role in strengthening the fintech ecosystem by encouraging creativity, supporting startups, and promoting technology-based approaches to financial challenges.

As the competition and innovation drive gain attention, expectations are high that new ideas emerging from Hack54 could help unlock the next wave of digital finance solutions.

Accra — Ghana’s Minority in Parliament has launched a strong criticism of the government and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) over recent tariff increases, describing the move as a betrayal of promises made to citizens.

The Minority accused the government of going against its earlier commitments to ease economic pressures on Ghanaians, arguing that the increase in utility charges will place additional burdens on households and businesses already struggling with rising costs.

According to the Minority, the decision by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission to approve tariff adjustments contradicts expectations created by the governing National Democratic Congress during its campaign and policy engagements.

They warned that higher electricity and utility costs could worsen financial difficulties for ordinary citizens, increase operational expenses for businesses, and affect economic recovery efforts.

The Minority has called on the government and PURC to reconsider the increases and provide greater transparency on the reasons behind the adjustments.

The controversy has triggered fresh debate over Ghana’s utility pricing policies, with supporters of the tariff changes pointing to operational costs and sector sustainability, while critics insist consumers should not bear the full burden.

As public reactions continue to grow, the tariff issue is shaping up to become another major test for the government’s economic management agenda.

The Adansi North District has intensified efforts to combat child labour as the District Chief Executive (DCE) rallies key stakeholders to join forces in protecting children and securing their future.

The DCE has called on community leaders, parents, traditional authorities, schools, and other relevant groups to work together to eliminate practices that expose children to hazardous work and deny them access to education and proper development.

The move forms part of renewed efforts to address child labour concerns in the district, with stakeholders urged to strengthen monitoring, reporting, and public awareness campaigns.

Speaking on the issue, authorities stressed that protecting children requires a collective approach, as poverty, lack of awareness, and social pressures often contribute to situations where minors are pushed into exploitative labour.

The DCE encouraged residents to support initiatives aimed at keeping children in school and creating safer environments where young people can grow and achieve their potential.

Stakeholders at the engagement pledged their commitment to supporting measures that will help reduce child labour and promote child welfare across the district.

The campaign is expected to deepen collaboration between local authorities and communities in the fight against child exploitation.

As Ghana’s Fourth Republic continues to mature, the principles of probity, accountability, social justice, and national service remain at the centre of the country’s democratic journey — ideals that were envisioned to shape a fairer, more responsible, and people-focused society.

The call for these values has remained a major part of national conversations, with citizens and leaders repeatedly emphasizing the need for integrity in public life and responsible governance.

PROBITY: THE DEMAND FOR INTEGRITY IN LEADERSHIP

Probity remains one of the strongest expectations placed on public officials — the belief that leaders must act with honesty, transparency, and a commitment to the national interest.

For many Ghanaians, the principle represents a rejection of corruption, abuse of power, and the misuse of public resources. It challenges those entrusted with authority to demonstrate ethical leadership and ensure that public office is treated as a responsibility rather than a privilege.

ACCOUNTABILITY: HOLDING POWER TO ACCOUNT

A strong democracy depends on accountability. In the Fourth Republic, institutions such as Parliament, the judiciary, the media, and civil society play critical roles in ensuring that leaders answer for their decisions and actions.

However, concerns about corruption, lack of transparency, and weak enforcement of standards continue to raise questions about whether accountability mechanisms are working effectively.

Many argue that accountability must go beyond political promises and become a daily practice embedded in public institutions.

SOCIAL JUSTICE: ENSURING EVERY CITIZEN MATTERS

Social justice remains a key measure of democratic success. It focuses on creating opportunities, reducing inequality, and ensuring that development benefits all sections of society.

Issues such as access to quality education, healthcare, employment, and economic opportunities continue to shape discussions about whether the ideals of fairness and inclusion are being achieved.

Advocates insist that democracy must not only guarantee political participation but also improve the everyday lives of citizens.

NATIONAL SERVICE: BUILDING A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

National service has long been viewed as a tool for developing patriotism, discipline, and commitment among citizens, especially the youth.

Beyond employment placement, many believe national service should encourage a deeper sense of responsibility toward community development and national progress.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Nearly three decades into the Fourth Republic, the pursuit of probity, accountability, social justice, and national service remains an ongoing national assignment.

The challenge, observers say, is moving these ideals from speeches and constitutional aspirations into practical actions that transform institutions and improve citizens’ confidence in governance.

The future of Ghana’s democracy may ultimately depend not only on the strength of its elections but on how seriously the nation embraces the values that give democracy its meaning.

The 2024 political landscape in Ghana delivered a powerful message: voters were unhappy, but not necessarily ready to completely walk away from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The election outcome reflected a complex relationship between Ghanaians and the party — one marked by disappointment, criticism, and demands for change, rather than total rejection.

For many citizens, the concerns centered on economic pressures, rising living costs, unemployment, and frustrations over governance issues. The dissatisfaction was loud and visible, creating a strong call for accountability and renewed commitment to the needs of ordinary Ghanaians.

However, the sentiments surrounding the NPP also showed that political loyalty, shared values, and trust built over years remained significant factors. Many supporters expressed disappointment with certain decisions and policies while still identifying with the party’s broader vision.

Political observers describe the situation as a case of “disapproval without abandonment” — a warning from the electorate that support cannot be taken for granted, but that the relationship between the party and its base is not beyond repair.

The message from voters was clear: Ghanaians expect better performance, stronger leadership, and policies that directly improve their daily lives.

As the NPP reflects on the 2024 verdict, the challenge ahead is not only rebuilding confidence but also understanding the concerns of citizens who felt unheard while maintaining the connection with those who remain committed to the party.

The election has become a reminder that political support is not permanent — it must be earned, protected, and renewed through action.