Government Accountability Series: IMANI Lauds Ghana’s New Transparency Drive, Raises Caution Over Legal Risks
Policy think tank IMANI Africa has described the Government Accountability Series (GAS) — an initiative under the Mahama-led administration — as an innovative step toward deepening transparency and citizen engagement in Ghana’s governance structure.
The initiative, which forms part of government’s broader “Reset Ghana” agenda, requires Ministers of State to take turns to brief the public on the performance, challenges, and outlook of their ministries.
According to IMANI’s latest Critical Analysis of Governance Issues (CAGI) report covering October 27 to November 1, 2025, the series represents a major shift in Ghana’s accountability culture by creating direct interaction between citizens and duty bearers.
A New Model for Accountability
The think tank noted that GAS has “brought into the limelight ministries and ministers who would otherwise remain obscure,” while also giving citizens structured access to information on government programmes without relying solely on the Right to Information Act (Act 989) or Parliamentary Question Time.
“This initiative reframes accountability as a direct encounter between duty bearers and the people,” IMANI observed, adding that it helps build public confidence in institutions through consistent and transparent communication.
Concerns Over ‘Trial by Media’
However, the group cautioned that aspects of the briefings could pose risks to due process, particularly when officials discuss ongoing legal cases.
IMANI’s report cited the Attorney General’s decision to use the platform to provide updates on active criminal prosecutions as one example that has drawn public criticism. Opponents argue such disclosures may undermine the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence.
A similar controversy, according to IMANI, has surrounded the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), especially in high-profile cases such as the probe involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Some analysts contend that while the OSP’s updates enhance transparency, they risk shifting public judgment from the courtroom to the media arena.
Balancing Openness and Justice
The report stressed the need to strike a balance between the public’s right to know and the rights of accused persons to fair trial.
“Transparency must not become trial by media, yet silence must not breed suspicion,” IMANI cautioned. It urged government communicators to develop strategies that inform the public responsibly without compromising justice or sensationalising sensitive matters.
Building Trust Through Responsible Transparency
Despite the concerns, IMANI described the GAS as a “bold and progressive experiment” that signals a changing relationship between state and citizen.
“Accountability is not a favour from leaders but a duty owed to the people,” the report concluded. “Criticism of the system should not obscure its broader value; rather, it should help refine it.”
The think tank emphasised that the success of such transparency mechanisms will depend on how well government manages the tension between openness and fairness.
“In the end, the fight against corruption is as much about perception as it is about prosecution,” IMANI said. “Ghana must continue to innovate in ways that keep citizens informed while protecting the rights of all.”
