Mahama Slams Government Over Loss of $190m Power Compact, Vows to Prioritize Accountability
Former President John Mahama has expressed his disappointment and outrage over the loss of $190 million meant for private sector participation in electricity distribution under the US Millennium Compact. Apexnewsgh reports In a Facebook post, Mahama attributed the loss to corrupt, ‘yenkyendi’ and cronyistic governance practices of the current administration led by President Nana Akufo-Addo and his Vice. Mahama, who is gearing up for the 2024 elections, assured Ghanaians that he will prioritize accountability and work to enhance private sector efficiency in the electricity distribution system if elected. He also pledged a thorough investigation into the PDS scandal to hold those involved accountable. The cancellation of the $190 million power compact under the Millennium Challenge Corporation compact for Ghana follows the PDS scandal, with the government taking no action against the identified persons involved in the scandal. Mahama passionately called on all Ghanaians to unite, stand together, and fight against the pervasive issues of corruption and cronyism. He envisions a brighter future for Ghana’s power sector, a future that can only be built with the collective efforts of all. With the hashtags #LetsBuildGhanaTogether and #Mahama4Change2024, Mahama rallied support for his vision of building a better Ghana that all Ghanaians want, a vision he says includes every Ghanaian. Mahama’s statement has sparked a renewed call to action against corruption and cronyism in Ghana, with many Ghanaians expressing their support for his vision of a more accountable and efficient government. As the 2024 elections approach, Mahama’s message of change and accountability is likely to resonate with many Ghanaians who are eager for a better future for their country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Navrongo Central MP raises alarm over hooping unaccounted $11m Payment for Pawlungu Irrigation Project
A startling revelation emerged during the Public Accounts Committee sitting, as Navrongo Central Member of Parliament, Sampson Tangombu Chiragia, raised questions about a final payment of $11 million made to contractors of the Pawlungu irrigation dam project. Apexnewsgh reports Chiragia’s inquiry centered on the absence of any visible progress on the project site, despite the substantial payment. The MP expressed his confusion, stating, “I thought before payment is made, the contractor will present a certificate…but when you go to Pwalungu, there is nothing there, no signboard, no container…and the contractor is taking $11 million dollars.” He questioned the type of certificate presented by the contractor to justify the payment. In response, Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Addison, clarified that the payment was made in 2021, not 2022. However, when pressed for further details, Dr. Addison referred the question to the auditors, stating that they must have reviewed documentation before issuing a report. Unfortunately, the auditors’ response was unclear, stating that they were instructed by the Comptroller to make the payment and were unaware of the project’s status or whether any work was ongoing. This lack of accountability has raised concerns about the transparency and management of public funds. The exchange highlights the importance of parliamentary oversight and the need for greater transparency in government projects. The unanswered questions surrounding the $11 million payment have sparked concerns about potential mismanagement of public resources. Meanwhile, the Pwalugu irrigation project was designed to span a vast area of 20,000 hectares, situated on the left bank of the White Volta river. According to the Volta River Authority’s (VRA) feasibility studies, the project was based on several key criteria. Firstly, the water level at the upstream end of the main canal was set at 133 meters above sea level. Secondly, water supply to the plots would be provided by gravity via a network of canals, with the option to irrigate additional areas through pumping. Finally, the project aimed to support the cultivation of a diverse range of crops, including rice, tomatoes (fresh market, cherry, and processed), and leafy vegetables. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.