Member of Parliament for Banda, Ahmed Ibrahim, has emphasized that Parliament will not approve the requested $150 million by the Ministry for Works and Housing until a detailed breakdown of the previous $200 million credit facility allocated for the proposed Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project in 2019 is provided.
Ibrahim highlighted concerns over the lack of transparency regarding the utilization of the previous $200 million World Bank loan earmarked for the GARID project.
He expressed dismay that the funds were allegedly mismanaged and unaccounted for.
“The GARID facility $200m World Bank loan that was given to the Minister for Works and Housing, that loan wasn’t used for its purpose nor any productive work and the money is nowhere to be found, “And now in 2024, they are asking us to give them another $150m, the same Works and Housing Ministry and now Parliament and the Finance Committee are requiring an in-depth breakdown of what the $200m was used for,” he stated vehemently in an interview.
He further criticized the Ministry for what he perceives as a lack of urgency in providing a breakdown of the expenditure related to the flood mitigation initiative, which was intended to improve drainage systems, address solid waste management challenges, enhance roads, extend streetlights, and improve water supply in the Greater Accra region.
The Ministry for Works and Housing recently appeared before Parliament seeking an additional $150 million loan for various projects. However, Ibrahim’s reservations reflect broader scepticism within Parliament about approving further funds without clarity on past expenditures.
In response to these concerns, Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, the Deputy Minister-designate for Works and Housing, defended the need for additional funding.
He explained that part of the previous funds had been diverted to support the COVID-19 Recovery Programme, necessitating further financial support for the original project’s completion.
Dr. Armah also acknowledged regulatory weaknesses and stressed the importance of stringent requirements for contractors and engineers involved in projects. He advocated for stricter adherence to certification standards to deter unqualified individuals from engaging in construction activities.
Despite these explanations from the Ministry, the Deputy Chief Whip stated that without clear accountability, the proposed $150 million loan would not receive parliamentary approval.
“There is no way we will pass this loan until we see the results of the $200m loan.”
Godfred Sey /Ahotoronline.com
