Imani Center for Policy & Education

15/06/2026

The $72 Million Truth: Why SSNIT Must Open Its Dashboard to the Public

Ghana’s economy is growing, yet formal job creation continues to lag behind.

While provisional GDP estimates for the first quarter of 2026 indicate 6.4% economic growth, driven in part by a 25.2% surge in the ICT sector, youth unemployment remains persistently high.

In a new analysis, IMANI argues that Ghana already possesses the data needed to better understand this disconnect between economic growth and employment. The information exists within SSNIT’s Operational Business Suite (OBS), a digitised pension administration system procured at a reported cost of $72 million.

The analysis makes the case for a publicly accessible, anonymised dashboard that would provide regular insights into formal sector employment trends.

Key arguments include:
🔸 Real-time employment data would improve labour market diagnostics.
🔸 Aggregated statistics can be published without violating data privacy laws.
🔸 Transparency would strengthen policymaking and economic planning.
🔸 Compliance trends themselves provide valuable economic signals.
🔸 Greater openness would enhance investor confidence and institutional credibility.

“Transparency is not a favour; it is a benefit derived from our monthly contribution.”

The analysis contends that publishing anonymised labour market data could help policymakers, businesses, researchers, and citizens better understand the realities of Ghana’s formal employment landscape.

Read Here:
https://imaniafrica.org/2026/06/the-72-million-truth-why-ssnit-must-open-its-dashboard-to-the-public/

Ghana’s macroeconomic data has developed a split personality. The provisional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates for the first quarter of 2026 show the economy expanding at a robust 6.4%, driven heavily by a 25.2% surge in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Yet, on the ...

15/06/2026

The COCOBOD Files: A Compendium

COCOBOD is too important to be discussed through slogans alone.

Over the past several months, IMANI’s Associate, Kay Codjoe, has undertaken a comprehensive civic intelligence project to answer a simple but important question:

What happened to COCOBOD between 2017 and 2026?

Through debt records, procurement reviews, RTI actions, production trends, financial analysis, and public statements, The COCOBOD Files has sought to test competing narratives against evidence.

The compendium brings together thirteen investigations examining:

🔸 COCOBOD’s debt accumulation and financial exposure.
🔸 Cocoa pricing and the 70 percent farmer payment debate.
🔸 Procurement, contracts, and governance questions.
🔸 Farmer payments, liquidity challenges, and institutional trust.
🔸 RTI actions demanding greater transparency and accountability.
🔸 The broader impact of COCOBOD’s decisions on Ghana’s economy.

“The debate continues. The reforms remain unfinished. The questions remain.”

The collection traces a decade of decisions, pressures, and outcomes while asking critical questions about accountability, oversight, and the future of Ghana’s cocoa sector.

Explore the full compendium on our website:
https://imaniafrica.org/2026/06/the-cocobod-flies-a-compendium/

COCOBOD is too important to be discussed through slogans alone. The COCOBOD Files was launched as a civic intelligence project to examine a simple question: What happened to COCOBOD between 2017 and 2026? Through debt records, procurement questions, RTI actions, production trends, and public stateme...

15/06/2026

Fourteen Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), including IMANI Africa, have called on the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutionality of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) as it prepares to deliver judgment in the landmark case challenging the anti-corruption body’s legality.

The appeal comes after the Court concluded final oral arguments in Adamtey v. Attorney-General and set 29 July 2026 as the date for judgment.

The CSOs, admitted by the Court as amici curiae, argue that the OSP remains a vital institution in Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture and should be preserved as established under law.

In their statement, the CSOs emphasised:

🔸 The OSP’s critical role in Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts.
🔸 The broad national consensus that supported its establishment.
🔸 The importance of maintaining strong accountability institutions.
🔸 Their confidence in the legal arguments presented before the Court.

“It is our hope that the Court will uphold the positions canvassed by the CSOs and affirm the constitutionality of the OSP law.”

The organisations maintain that the Office of the Special Prosecutor remains one of the principal institutions upon which Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts depend.

Read Here:
🔗 https://www.citinewsroom.com/2026/06/uphold-legality-of-osp-csos-to-supreme-court/

The Supreme Court has been urged by 14 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to uphold the constitutionality of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) as it

15/06/2026

Plea Bargain Is Not Necessarily an Admission of Guilt – Kofi Bentil

Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has clarified that entering into a plea bargain does not automatically amount to an admission of guilt, noting that such arrangements can sometimes provide mutual benefits to all parties involved in a legal dispute.

Speaking on The KeyPoints on TV3, Mr Bentil commented on discussions surrounding the ongoing legal proceedings involving NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

His remarks come after the Office of the Attorney-General formally notified the High Court that the first accused person had expressed interest in pursuing a plea negotiation process.

In his remarks, Mr Bentil emphasised:

🔸 The legal purpose and function of plea bargaining within the justice system.
🔸 The distinction between plea negotiations and a formal admission of guilt.
🔸 The potential benefits of negotiated settlements for both prosecution and defence.
🔸 The importance of due process in criminal proceedings.

“A plea bargain is not necessarily an admission of guilt. Sometimes it leads to mutual benefits for the two parties.”

Plea bargaining remains an established legal mechanism that can help resolve cases efficiently while balancing the interests of justice, subject to judicial oversight and legal requirements.

https://3news.com/news/plea-bargain-is-not-necessarily-an-admission-of-guilt-bentil

He says plea bargaining sometimes leads to mutual benefits for both parties in a case.

15/06/2026

‘ORAL Must Be Permanent and Must Be Both Ways’ – Kofi Bentil

Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has called for the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative to be institutionalised as a permanent anti-corruption mechanism that applies equally to all public officials, regardless of political affiliation.

Speaking on The KeyPoints on TV3, Mr Bentil argued that accountability should not be limited to a single administration and proposed legal reforms to ensure former government appointees remain available to answer questions after leaving office.

He suggested that Ghana should consider legislation requiring political appointees to remain in the country for a specified period after their government leaves office.

In his remarks, Mr Bentil emphasised:
🔸 The need to institutionalise accountability mechanisms beyond political cycles.
🔸 Equal application of anti-corruption measures across all administrations.
🔸 The importance of due process and consistent enforcement.
🔸 Strengthening public confidence in governance and accountability institutions.

“ORAL must be permanent; it must be both ways.”

Mr Bentil argued that anti-corruption initiatives are most effective when they are applied consistently and without regard to political affiliation, ensuring that accountability becomes a permanent feature of governance rather than a temporary political exercise.

https://3news.com/news/oral-must-be-permanent-bentil

He says that there should be a law in Ghana that mandates government officials to remain in the country at least for two years

12/06/2026

A decade ago, Accra hosted the inaugural Africa Liberty Forum by Atlas Network.

More than 120 advocates, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, and champions of economic freedom gathered in Ghana to launch what has grown into one of Africa’s leading platforms for advancing liberty, free enterprise, good governance, and prosperity across the continent.

Ten years later, the conversation returns home.

In less than two months, freedom champions from across Africa will gather once again in Accra, Ghana, for Africa Liberty Forum 2026.

IMANI Center for Policy and Education is proud to co-host this year’s Forum alongside Atlas Network and Africa Centre for Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment, bringing together a new generation of African leaders, innovators, changemakers, and reformers at a pivotal moment in the continent’s development.

The Forum will convene think tank leaders, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, philanthropists, and civil society innovators committed to expanding opportunity, strengthening institutions, and advancing freedom across Africa.

Across two days of dialogue and exchange, participants will engage with leaders addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, share practical solutions, and build meaningful connections that drive lasting impact in their communities.

Beyond the conversations, Africa Liberty Forum will spotlight two flagship opportunities advancing freedom on the continent.

This is more than a conference.

It is a platform for ideas, collaboration, and action. A space where Africa’s future is being shaped through innovation, enterprise, and principled reform.

Join us in Accra as we mark a decade of impact and help define the next chapter of Africa’s story.

Register here: https://events.atlasnetwork.org/event/197dfbd1-c7bf-4d51-8202-725b26994d7a/summary

11/06/2026

PPA Warns Public Institutions Over Procurement Disclosure Failures

The Public Procurement Authority (PPA) has issued a final warning to public institutions that continue to violate mandatory procurement disclosure requirements under the Public Procurement Act, signalling a tougher enforcement approach to public contracting.

The warning follows a compliance review of the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS), which revealed that several institutions had failed to publish procurement plans and contract award details as required by law.

According to the PPA, continued non-compliance could result in public naming, administrative sanctions, and restrictions on approvals for single-source and restricted tendering requests.

The Authority highlighted:

🔸 Failure by some institutions to publish procurement plans and contract awards on GHANEPS.
🔸 The importance of transparency and public oversight in government contracting.
🔸 The legal responsibility of heads of procurement entities to ensure compliance.
🔸 Potential sanctions for institutions that continue to disregard disclosure requirements.

“The Authority says failure to comply weakens transparency, undermines competitive tendering, and limits public oversight of state spending.”

The development comes amid increasing public scrutiny of procurement governance and renewed calls for greater transparency, accountability, and value for money in public spending, following a petition by policy think tank IMANI Africa to President John Dramani Mahama over alleged irregularities in state insurance placements.

Read Here:
🔗 https://www.citinewsroom.com/2026/06/ppa-warns-public-institutions-over-procurement-disclosure-failures/

The Public Procurement Authority (PPA) has issued a final warning to public institutions still flouting mandatory transparency rules under the Public

10/06/2026

Please No Games with Sedinam Tamakloe’s Final Journey to Jail — Franklin Cudjoe Warns

President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has cautioned government against any action that could result in the release or reduction of the prison sentence imposed on former MASLOC Chief Executive, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu.

His comments follow the arrival of Ms. Tamakloe-Attionu in Ghana after U.S. authorities approved her extradition to serve a prison sentence imposed by a Ghanaian court.

Mr Cudjoe said civil society organisations and citizens would be closely monitoring developments to ensure the sentence is carried out in accordance with the court's ruling.

In his remarks, the IMANI President emphasised:

🔸 The importance of respecting judicial decisions.
🔸 Equal application of the law regardless of status or political affiliation.
🔸 Concerns about potential legal or administrative interventions that could alter the sentence.
🔸 The role of accountability in strengthening public confidence in justice institutions.

“Dear AG, Please, no games with Sedinam Tamakloe’s final journey to jail. Abeg, no nolle prosequi shenanigans! no percentage reduction in the 10 year sentence! Certainly, and no setting her free.”

Mr Cudjoe argued that the case should proceed strictly according to law and that any departure from the sentence imposed by the courts could undermine public trust in the justice system.

President of policy think tank IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has cautioned government against any move that could lead to the release of Sedina Tamakloe, insisting that she must fully serve her prison sentence .

10/06/2026

Funding Alone Won’t End Accra’s Perennial Flooding, IMANI Warns

The Imani Centre for Policy and Education has cautioned that financial investments alone will not solve Accra’s recurring flooding crisis, stressing that stronger urban governance, institutional accountability, and effective implementation are equally critical.

The report highlights:

🔸 Funding constraints following the reallocation of part of GARID’s original budget during the COVID-19 pandemic.
🔸 Persistent implementation challenges, including contractor performance issues and capacity gaps across local assemblies.
🔸 The need for stronger accountability and oversight mechanisms.
🔸 The importance of integrating urban planning, enforcement, community participation, and climate resilience strategies.

“We cannot afford to view GARID as a project that will fix itself. If the government continues to treat it as a routine infrastructure program, the city will remain vulnerable to the next disaster.”

IMANI maintains that ending Accra’s perennial flooding requires more than infrastructure spending. It demands sustained leadership, stronger institutions, coordinated governance, and proactive enforcement to protect lives, property, and the city’s future.

Read here:
🔗 https://thevaultznews.com/2026/06/08/funding-alone-wont-end-accras-perennial-flooding-imani-warns/

The Imani Centre for Policy and Education has cautioned that financial investments alone will not resolve Accra’s recurring flooding crisis, urging government to strengthen urban governance systems and institutional accountability to safeguard the capital against future disasters. In a policy brie...

08/06/2026

Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Could Be Used to Oppress Rather Than Protect Values – Kofi Bentil

Vice President of IMANI , Kofi Bentil, has cautioned that Ghana’s amended Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill could still be misused as a tool for oppression despite revisions made during parliamentary consideration.

His comments come as Parliament has been directed to reconsider the Bill following renewed discussions aimed at building broader consensus around the controversial legislation.

Speaking on Newsfile, Mr Bentil argued that while some provisions of the Bill have been softened through amendments, concerns remain about how the law could be applied in practice.

In his remarks, Mr Bentil emphasised:

🔸 The potential for selective enforcement of the legislation.
🔸 Concerns about the protection of individual rights and freedoms.
🔸 The implications of legal provisions that could be open to abuse.
🔸 The need for careful scrutiny of laws that affect civil liberties.

“Those amendments basically water the thing down to nothing. But what it leaves is a sufficient tool for people to use to oppress others.”

Mr Bentil suggested that while the legislation seeks to promote certain social values, its practical effect may be limited in achieving that objective while creating risks of rights violations and arbitrary enforcement.

Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has cautioned that Ghana’s amended anti-LGBTQ+ legislation could still be exploited as a tool for oppression, despite changes introduced during parliamentary consideration. Parliament has been directed to reconsider the Human Sexual Rights and Family Va...