Accusations of Concealing Information about ECOWAS Funding for Akosombo Dam Spillage Victims Raise Concerns
The Member of Parliament for the North Tongu constituency has leveled serious allegations against the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, accusing them of withholding crucial information from Parliament and the public regarding ECOWAS’s financial support for victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage. Intercepted documents from the ECOWAS Commission reportedly reveal the approval of substantial funding, which was not disclosed during the recent budget presentation. These revelations have ignited calls for transparency and accountability, highlighting the need for prompt disclosure of government funding requests and clarification on their utilization.
In a surprising turn of events, the Member of Parliament representing the North Tongu constituency in the Volta Region has accused the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government of hiding vital information from both Parliament and the Ghanaian public regarding ECOWAS’s financial support for victims affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage. According to intercepted documents from the ECOWAS Commission, an amount of US$200,000.00 (GHS2.4 million) was reportedly approved in response to Ghana’s application, a fact omitted during the recent presentation of the 2024 Budget.
The parliamentarian alleges that during the budget presentation on November 15, 2023, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, only disclosed government applications to the World Bank and the Global Shield Against Climate Risk Fund. The revelation of the ECOWAS funding, which was allegedly approved two weeks prior to the budget presentation, has raised eyebrows and prompted a demand for transparency and accountability.
In a statement addressing the issue, the MP questioned, “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 opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in Parliament, alarmed by the intercepted documents from the ECOWAS Commission, has expressed serious concerns. Members of the caucus are expected to push for full disclosure and transparency during parliamentary sessions, intensifying scrutiny of the government’s handling of funds intended for the relief of Akosombo Dam spillage victims.
As this controversy unfolds, the government faces mounting pressure to respond to these allegations. The level of transparency and accountability displayed in handling funds allocated for the Akosombo Dam spillage relief will undoubtedly have an impact on public trust and confidence in the government’s financial dealings. The public awaits clarification on the utilization of these funds and anticipates the government’s response to the mounting calls for transparency.
The accusations hurled by the Member of Parliament regarding the concealment of ECOWAS funding for Akosombo Dam spillage victims have cast a shadow of doubt on the government’s transparency and accountability. With demands for disclosure growing louder, it remains to be seen how the government will address these allegations and regain public trust in their management of funds intended for the relief of the affected communities.
