Gov’t Outdoors PPP Disclosure Portal

To ensure transparency and accountability, government has launched the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) disclosure framework and a web-based portal.

This is to make sure that all non-confidential information relating to PPP contracts is made available to the public.

Speaking at the launch on Friday, Senior Minister, Mr. Yaw Osafo Marfo, said one of the challenges associated with the implementation of PPP projects is inadequate transparency and accountability in processes leading to the execution of concession agreements and implementation of projects.

The challenge, he said, served as the basis for government, through the Ministry of Finance, to collaborate with the World Bank to implement the Transparency and Accountability project.

He restated government’s readiness to ensure that all related tasks are fully implemented to give full backing to PPPs.

According to him, “this would enable the public sector leverage on the financial resources and managerial expertise of the private sector, to improve on the quality and quantity of public infrastructure to enhance the acceleration of the socio-economic development of the country.”

The Senior Minister further disclosed that there is currently before cabinet a Bill on PPPs, which would be submitted to parliament for consideration, as part of efforts to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework for PPPs.

“In addition, regulations and guidelines would be developed to support the implementation of the PPP law, when enacted,” he stressed.

These, according to him, would boost the confidence of the private sector in the PPP programme.

The World Bank Country Director for Ghana, Henry Kerali, on his part, said the disclosure project, which began in September 2016, is part of the bank’s larger agenda to support PPPs in Ghana.

He said the disclosure framework was developed following stakeholder engagements with the public and private sector, and further eulogized the stakeholders, particularly the MDAs, for their valuable input and support.

“The framework covers aspects of PPP contracts such as agreed standards of service, scope of work, parties to the contract, a general overview of the project, social and economic benefits of the project, risk allocation, and actual performance reached,” he concluded.

A National Policy on PPP was developed in 2011 to guide the implementation of projects.

The implementation of the policy has led to the identification and preparation of projects such as the Accra-Tema Motorway Road Project, Eastern Railway Line Project, National Sports College Project, Takoradi Port Dry Bulk Terminal Project, and many others.

By: Emmanuel Yeboah Britwum/ thePublisher