Three of the networks that gained nationwide recognition focused on different areas in the GPRS implementation process.

• The ‘budget watch’ network, led by the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), brought together independent civil society organisations interested in tracking resource allocations and expenditures on social programmes (education, health, women and children). Launched in 2002, the network published critical reviews of the budget, and independent research on public expenditures and their impact. The network disseminates its findings in the media, public forums, and in reports to state agencies, development partners and policy research institutes.
• Ghana HIPC Watch is coordinated by the Social Enterprise Development Foundation of West Africa (SEND). It focuses on tracking the allocation, disbursement and utilisation of debt relief funds from the HIPC facility, from which Ghana has benefited since 2001. Members include hundreds of community-based organisations and individuals in the poorest districts in the north of the country. The network assists members to enable them work effectively with local government officials. HIPC Watch’s activities are aimed at building confidence and trust among members, improving their understanding of how the system works and sharpening their lobbying skills.
• Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT), hosted by the Third World Network Africa Region (TWN Africa), promotes women’s rights and social transformation. NETRIGHT positioned itself to participate in the national policy dialogue on poverty reduction policies and programmes, through the GPRS consultation workshops and written submissions to the National Development Planning Commission. In the implementation phase, the network played the role of critical observer of the GPRS process, exposing flaws in programme and project design, and proposing changes that members believe will address the needs of women and children more effectively. NETRIGHT also demanded high standards of democratic governance, as well as greater transparency and access to information in order to improve civil society participation and the accountability of public officials. The network produces a quarterly newsletter, and in 2005 published a critical assessment of the implementation of the GPRS.