Ghana Open Data Initiative signs MoU with TransGov Ghana
The Ghana Open Data Initiative (GODI), an initiative by the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) and TransGov Ghana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to intensify collaboration in Ghana’s open data sector.
The MOU also commits the two organisations to jointly support more open data initiatives that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency in the ways Ghana government responds to the needs of its citizens.
The MOU was signed on behalf of GODI by Mr Eric Akumiah, Project Manager and Mr Jerry Akanyi-King, Chief Executive Officer of TransGov Ghana, a statement signed by Mr Eric Akumiah, Project Manager of GODI and copied to the Ghana News Agency has indicated.
The statement said the MoU would commit the two institutions to share knowledge and expertise relating to Open Data in Ghana, utilise and leverage existing resources, collaborate on research and dissemination of good practices, provide policy guidance, boost collaboration with other entities, and jointly host seminars, workshops and training events to strengthen Ghanaian capacities for innovation in Open Data projects.
“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 institution sharing of data, which in turn can contribute to the development of innovative services,” the statement said.
The statement said TransGov Ghana is a non-governmental organisation that is leveraging on open government data to help improve citizen engagement with duty bearers responsible for carrying out development projects.
It said TransGov is currently focused on helping Ghanaian citizens to track and monitor physical development projects in District Assemblies in Ghana.
The statement said the MoU came at a time that civil society groups and governments all across the globe were applying new digital tools to harness the power of open data to transform and empower communities.
The statement said, despite the fact that the Right to Information Bill had not been passed by parliament, Government had shown that it was committed to making its data readily available resulting in a vibrant Open Data community in Ghana.
It said Ghana Open Data Initiative (GODI) attached great importance to collaboration with TransGov Ghana, gaining yet another key partner in the effort to promote the ideals of Open Data on a national scale.
Synergies with TransGov Ghana substantially expand the prospects of developing projects aimed at creating a culture of innovation with open government data leading to effective citizen engagement with government agencies and improvement in the quality of public service delivery.
Source: GNA