North Tongu Member of Parliament, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, has accused the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government of concealing crucial information from Parliament and the Ghanaian public.
According to intercepted documents from the ECOWAS Commission, the government had applied for financial support for victims affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage floods and received approval of US$200,000.00 (GH¢2.4 million).
Despite this approval from ECOWAS, Ablakwa points out that Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta failed to disclose this particular application during the presentation of the 2024 Budget on November 15, 2023.
In his budget presentation, Ofori-Atta only highlighted government applications to the World Bank and the Global Shield Against Climate Risk Fund, omitting any mention of the ECOWAS funding.
The intercepted documents from ECOWAS indicate that the application for financial support was made approximately two weeks before the budget presentation in Parliament.
Ablakwa is raising concerns about the lack of transparency regarding government requests for funding from international organizations and is calling for full disclosure and accountability on how these funds are being utilized.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in Parliament, led by Ablakwa, has pledged to promptly demand a comprehensive account of all government funding requests submitted to international organizations.
The revelation adds a new layer to discussions about the government's handling of the Akosombo Dam spillage and its commitment to assisting affected communities.
As this information comes to light, Ablakwa emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in handling international aid and funding, reinforcing the NDC's commitment to putting “Ghana first.”
