CoST Sekondi-Takoradi has launched its third Independent Review, marking an important milestone in strengthening transparency and accountability across public infrastructure delivery in Ghana’s Western Region. 

The review assesses 28 infrastructure projects delivered by 14 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, examining how projects perform across the entire project lifecycle—from planning and procurement through to implementation and long-term sustainability. This year’s review also marks an important step forward by integrating CoST’s Framework for Integrity in Infrastructure Planning (FIIP), including its application to water infrastructure, helping to identify integrity risks earlier in the decision-making process. 

The review reflects a growing recognition that transparency must go beyond monitoring construction alone. As infrastructure systems become more complex and climate pressures increase, strengthening governance from the earliest planning stages is becoming just as important as ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget. 

While the assessment found that participating authorities generally operate within existing procurement and governance frameworks, it also identified recurring challenges around disclosure, quality assurance, sustainability planning, climate resilience, and stakeholder engagement. Addressing these issues early can help improve infrastructure performance while strengthening accountability and public confidence.  

Importantly, the review also demonstrates the value of continuous assurance. Many recommendations from previous Independent Reviews have already translated into tangible improvements, including better accessibility in public facilities, upgraded health infrastructure, strengthened quality assurance processes, improved flood mitigation measures, and enhanced service delivery across participating assemblies.  

The inclusion of FIIP marks an evolution in CoST Sekondi-Takoradi’s approach. Rather than focusing solely on whether infrastructure projects are delivered successfully, the framework helps assess whether they are planned with integrity, resilience, and long-term public value in mind. Applying this approach to water infrastructure is particularly timely, as cities increasingly face growing pressures from climate change, rapid urbanisation, and rising demand for essential services. 

The Independent Review has been delivered through collaboration between CoST Sekondi-Takoradi, participating Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, technical partners, and development partners, demonstrating the value of multi-stakeholder collaboration in improving infrastructure governance. 

As infrastructure challenges continue to evolve, so too must the tools used to oversee them. By combining independent assurance with innovative approaches such as the Framework for Integrity in Infrastructure Planning, CoST Sekondi-Takoradi is helping shape more transparent, resilient, and accountable infrastructure systems—offering valuable lessons not only for Ghana, but for cities and countries facing similar challenges around the world.