The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Greater Accra region has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government to account for the substantial funds allocated to the Greater Accra Resilience Integrated Development Project (GARID). This project, intended to address the perennial flooding issues in Accra, was initially funded by a USD200 million World Bank loan approved in 2019 and an additional USD150 million approved this month.
Accra is currently experiencing severe flooding, resulting in significant loss of life and property. Amid this crisis, the NDC has raised concerns about the possible misuse of funds initially allocated to the GARID project. According to the opposition party, investigations have revealed that only USD8 million of the USD200 million loan has been utilized, and this amount was merely used as a mobilisation fund for contractors.
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing, after visiting four project sites, reported minimal preliminary work done, leaving the sites in worse condition than before. This has heightened concerns about the management and allocation of the GARID funds.
A statement released by the NDC in Greater Accra, signed by its Regional Communications Officer, Jerry Johnson, questioned the government’s decision to divert GARID funds to the COVID-19 Fund. This diversion occurred despite the influx of financial support from international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank specifically for pandemic relief.
“There is absolutely no justification in diverting the money into the fund and we find the claim as one of NPP’s spurious excuses for their incompetence and insensitivity to the plight of the Ghanaian people,” Johnson stressed.
The statement also highlighted unfulfilled promises made by President Akufo-Addo, who pledged in 2017 to make Accra the cleanest city in Africa by the end of his first term, a promise reiterated in his 2020 State of the Nation address. Given the current dire flood situation, the NDC contends that these promises were dishonest and have not been fulfilled.
The NDC, therefore, stressed that it has joined the people of Ghana in demanding a full investigation by Parliament into the allocation and application of the GARID funds. The party indicated its belief in “prioritising the safety and security of the people of Greater Accra just as we do for other regions in Ghana.”
The call for accountability comes at a time when many Ghanaians are grappling with the devastating effects of flooding. The NDC argues that the mismanagement of funds earmarked for flood relief is a significant factor contributing to the severity of the current situation.
The GARID project was launched with high hopes of transforming Accra’s infrastructure to better withstand flooding. The project aimed to enhance drainage systems, build resilient infrastructure, and improve waste management practices to mitigate the effects of heavy rains. However, the NDC’s claims suggest that these goals have not been met, raising questions about the government’s commitment to addressing the city’s flooding problem.
Jerry Johnson further pointed out that the diversion of funds to the COVID-19 Fund was unnecessary, given the substantial international aid received for pandemic relief. He suggested that the government’s actions were indicative of broader issues of mismanagement and lack of transparency within the administration.
The NDC’s demand for a parliamentary investigation is rooted in a broader concern for governance and accountability. By calling for an inquiry into the GARID funds, the party hopes to ensure that the resources meant for flood relief are used effectively and transparently.
As the situation in Accra continues to deteriorate, with more areas being affected by floods, the urgency of addressing the city’s infrastructure needs becomes increasingly apparent. The NDC’s call for accountability highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to disaster management, one that includes proper allocation and utilization of funds.
The opposition party’s stance resonates with many Ghanaians who have been directly impacted by the floods. Residents have voiced their frustrations over the lack of adequate infrastructure and support, pointing to the government’s unfulfilled promises as a source of their discontent.
The NDC’s demand for accountability in the management of GARID funds underscores the critical need for transparency and effective governance in addressing Accra’s flooding problem. As the city continues to battle with the devastating effects of floods, the call for a thorough investigation into the allocation and use of the US$350 million allocated for flood relief projects is not only timely but necessary for ensuring that future funds are managed more effectively.
Source: Ghana Web
