Ghana launches Open Data Platform

The Ghana Open Data Initiative Portal is available online since November 2012. It is an initiative by the Ministry of Communications, implemented by the National Information and Technology Agency (NITA).

During 2010 and 2011, the Web Foundation undertook a feasibility study in relation to establishing an Open Data Initiative in Ghana.

In the context of the completion of the roll-out of the eGovernment Network Infrastructures across the 10 regions in Ghana, it made sense to look at commencing this project during 2012.

The Web Foundation will support NITA during 2012 and 2013 to develop an open Data strategy for the Government of Ghana taking into account the relevant actors (political, public administration and civil society), and different dimensions of Open data (political, legal, organisational, technical, social and economic). The establishment of an Open Data Community and monitoring and evaluation of the Ghana Open Data Initiative will also be undertaken.

Ghana hopes that this initiative will improve public services, economic growth, accountability and transparency.