Adansi: The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) has advised the government to actively involve Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in overseeing oil and petroleum-funded projects within their regions. This recommendation aims to ensure thorough supervision, value for money, and comprehensive regional development.
According to Ghana Web, these comments were made by Christopher Opoku Nyarko, a PIAC member, during a media briefing after a project inspection in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region. Nyarko emphasized PIAC's commitment to ensuring that oil revenues are optimally utilized and that the public remains informed about the allocation of petroleum funds. This commitment includes conducting district visits to oversee the management and utilization of Ghana's petroleum revenues.
Nyarko explained that part of the revenue is distributed through the Annual Budget Funding Amount, managed by the Ministry of Finance, to benefit local communities. He highlighted PIAC's follow-up actions to verify whether budget-approved projects are executed. In Adansi North District, for example, the Committee reviewed a school building and a police station project.
While inspecting roadworks from Adansi Asokwa to Obuasi, Nyarko noted dissatisfaction with the pothole patching, deeming it an inadequate use of oil funds. Conversely, the police station was completed satisfactorily, though it lacked a water connection, relying on the district office. The school project was found lacking essential facilities like furniture, washrooms, and electricity.
The Committee also assessed a staff bungalow and Health Centre in Adansi Asokwa, both operational since 2021. Nyarko criticized the bungalow's size, questioning its justification as a worthwhile investment of oil revenue. He identified the exclusion of local Assemblies from project decisions, often made in Accra, as a significant issue.
Nyarko stressed that projects funded by oil and petroleum should not be labeled as 'MP's projects' without local Assembly awareness. He reaffirmed that the constitution ensures equitable benefits from oil extraction, regardless of location. The lack of local involvement weakens project supervision, with some projects not reflected in Assembly reports.
He advocated for improved coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Local Government to enhance planning and oversight. Nyarko emphasized the need for transparent reporting to Parliament to ensure oil revenue benefits are equitably distributed nationwide.
David Kunta, Adansi Asokwa District Health Director, expressed gratitude for the Health Centre funded through petroleum resources. However, he noted increasing demand necessitates expansion, particularly the addition of laboratory services. Kunta also called for fencing to prevent encroachment and highlighted the need for further investment by 2026 to enhance the facility's functionality.