CoST Sekondi-Takoradi works at the subnational level to implement transparency and accountability reforms in the infrastructure sector of Ghana's Western Region.
CoST Sekondi-Takoradi is a local chapter of CoST International working at the subnational level to implement transparency and accountability reforms within the infrastructure sector using CoST's core features of Disclosure, Assurance, Multi-Stakeholder Working and Social Accountability.
The twin-city of Sekondi-Takoradi applied for CoST membership in 2018, and in doing so demonstrated the synergy between CoST and Open Government Partnership (OGP) commitments. Enhancing transparency and accountability in the delivery of public infrastructure is one of the core pillars of STMA's Second OGP Local Action Plan, including publishing project information, developing citizen monitoring mechanisms, and adopting the CoST Infrastructure Data Standard (CoST IDS).
On 13 March 2019, STMA's CoST membership was announced as part of Open Government Week, during which advocates around the world showcase their commitment to open and transparent government. Both government and non-government actors attended the event, including 15 local and national media outlets and high-level speakers such as Hon. Anthony Kobina Kurentsir and the OGP Multi-Stakeholder Forum Co-Chair, Victoria Araba Dennis.
The chapter is currently working with 8 Procuring Entities (local governments) in the Western Region of Ghana.
Establishment of a 12-member tripartite Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) drawn from government, the private sector and civil society, formed in 2019, who lead, plan and dialogue with key stakeholders to build trust and ensure transparency and accountability in the delivery of public infrastructure.
Stakeholders such as the local government, private sector, civil society organisations, media and citizens have been introduced to the CoST core features, envisaged to help transform infrastructure delivery in Sekondi-Takoradi for better value and improved citizens' lives, with social accountability playing a key role in achieving the vision.
Published 2 Assurance Reports on 13 projects. The CoST assurance process, carried out by an independent assurance team, highlights the accuracy and completeness of disclosed data so that key issues can be put into the public domain and are easily accessible.
Developed a five-year Strategic Plan 2020–2025.
Development of an Online Disclosure Portal to publish data relating to public infrastructure projects, enhancing transparency and ensuring value for money by increasing access to project data for the general public using the Infrastructure Data Standard.
Conducting scoping studies to establish how transparency and accountability can be improved in the delivery of public infrastructure in Ghana.
Formation of 8 CoST District Citizens' Monitoring Teams to follow up on assurance recommendations and conduct independent social audits of infrastructure projects.
This platform is the chapter's disclosure portal in action: every published project, contract and document is open for you to explore.
