Gov’t is hiding $200k ECOWAS approved for Akosombo Dam spillage victims – Ablakwa
The Member of Parliament for the North Tongu constituency in the Volta Region has accused the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government of concealing vital information from Parliament and the Ghanaian public regarding ECOWAS’s financial support for victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage.
The parliamentarian alleges that intercepted documents from the ECOWAS Commission indicate the approval of US$200,000.00 (GHS2.4 million) in response to Ghana’s application, a fact not disclosed during the recent presentation of the 2024 Budget.
According to the MP, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, during the budget presentation on November 15, 2023, only revealed government applications to the World Bank and the Global Shield Against Climate Risk Fund. The revelation of the ECOWAS funding allegedly approved two weeks before the budget presentation, has raised eyebrows and prompted calls for transparency and accountability.
In a statement, the MP stated, “Why has the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government concealed from Parliament and the Ghanaian people that they had additionally applied to ECOWAS for financial support for the Akosombo dam spillage flood victims?”
The parliamentarian further emphasized the need for prompt disclosure and accountability on all government funding requests submitted to international organizations, as well as clarification on how these funds are being utilized.
The intercepted documents from the ECOWAS Commission, referenced by the MP, have sparked concerns among the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in Parliament. Members of the caucus are expected to demand full disclosure during parliamentary sessions, intensifying scrutiny on the government’s handling of funds intended for the relief of Akosombo Dam spillage victims.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the allegations, and whether this revelation will impact public trust and confidence in the transparency of financial dealings related to the Akosombo Dam spillage.
Source: PulseGhana
