The activities of the World Bank in Ghana has come under serious scrutiny with some members of parliament questioning the level of due diligence done by the Britton Wood Institution before allowing the government to draw down on loans.
The development stems from utilization of $200 million for the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development project approved in 2019.
According to the minority, though only $8 million has been given to contractors undertaking the projects, the entire amount has been released to the government without any proper accountability.
Speaking during consideration of $150 million additional funding for the project, Ho West MP Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah asked the speaker to asked World Bank to investigate the disbursements of funds for the project arguing there’s very little to show at the project sites.
Ranking member for the committee Isaac Adongo and minority chief whip Governs Kwame Agbodza all charged the World Bank to investigate its representatives in Ghana and the role they play in the execution of projects they fund.
The minister for Works and Housing Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and ranking member for finance committee Kwaku Kwarteng both argued the funds have been properly utilized.
Finance minister Dr. Amin Adam however assured the minority the concerns have been noted and will be addressed. Dr. Adam revealed a detailed report on the project will be given to parliament in 2 months.
The subsequent ruling of the speaker after voice vote the majority had carried the day was challenged by the deputy minority leader Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah and called for a headcount.
The $150 million World Bank facility was therefore approved by 137:132 majority decision.
Source: Kasapafmonline.com
