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TransGov and GODI sign MOU to improve open data in Ghana

The MOU signed at the headquarters of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) in Accra is aimed at further bridging the gap between government data and citizens.

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The Ghana Open Data Initiative (GODI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with TransGov Ghana aimed at strengthening efforts to make governmental data easily accessible by the public.

GODI is a government of Ghana’s project aimed at publishing information from governmental agencies that can be easily accessed by ordinary citizens, civil society groups and business in order to “create business opportunities, drive innovation and promote transparency in government transactions.”

TransGov Ghana is a platform developed by a group of young Ghanaians to make it easier for ordinary citizens to keenly track the progress of government projects that have been started in their localities.

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The MOU signed at the headquarters of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) in Accra is aimed at further bridging the gap between government data and citizens. The two institutions committed to sharing resources, tools, conduct research and hold workshops and seminars aimed at strengthening the capacities of various ministries, departments and agencies in collecting and managing data for public consumption.

According to Eric Akumiah, Project Manager of GODI, "open data can contribute to improving the efficiency of public services. Greater efficiency in processes and delivery of public services can only be achieved from cross institutions sharing of data, which in turn can contribute to the development of innovative services…[GODI] looks forward to strengthening its partnership with TransGov so that Ghanaians can benefit from their exciting innovation."

On his part, Jerry Akanyi-King, chief executive officer of TransGov, said in the absence of the Right to Information law, open data was needed to make government accountable to the people.

"Despite the fact that the Right to Information Bill has not been passed by parliament, government has shown that it is committed to making its data readily available resulting in a vibrant open data community in Ghana. We are happy to partner with GODI to ensure that we use digital technology to get citizens involved in the governance of their local communities and the country at large."

TransGov has four integrated platforms including web (http://www.transgovgh.org), mobile app (http://bit.ly/transgovgh), SMS and IVR service that enables citizens to monitor and provide feedback on development projects in their local communities.

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