Ghana's Minority in Parliament has rejected claims that the government is demanding $85 million for the contractor to complete the Afari Military Hospital. They describe this figure as a “manufactured crisis.” The Minority insists this amount is not backed by official records from the Ministry of Finance or the Ministry of Defence.
Deputy Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, stated that the actual outstanding amount is far lower. He detailed the project’s financial breakdown. The original contract sum of $180 million was financed through a loan already fully paid. An additional $19.3 million provided by the Government of Ghana for delay-related costs was also settled. A subsequent claim, initially over $6.5 million, was renegotiated to $3 million. Of this, $2.5 million has been paid, leaving only $500,000 as the outstanding balance.
This dispute occurs amidst broader concerns regarding public financial management and infrastructure project costs in Ghana. The government often faces scrutiny over project delays and cost overruns. This incident highlights the ongoing parliamentary oversight efforts to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. It also reflects a common trend where opposition parties challenge government spending figures.
Mr. Amankwa-Manu questioned the sudden escalation from $500,000 to an alleged $85 million. He called this jump mathematically absurd and criminal. He also stated that no records exist at the Ministry of Finance or the Ministry of Defence to support such a large amount. This claim of an $85 million demand is outrageous and misleading, according to the Minority.
The Minority further accused the government of using the project as a way for financial mismanagement, calling it a “create, loot and share” agenda. They find it disingenuous for the current administration to blame others for project delays given past relocation decisions. This accusation raises serious concerns about the integrity of public procurement processes and project execution.
The Afari Military Hospital, once completed, will serve the Ghana Armed Forces and residents of the Ashanti Region. The Minority warns that the project must not become a conduit for “daylight robbery.” Any attempt to justify this “newly generated” $85 million claim will be fiercely resisted. They demand value for money and protection of the public purse.
The Minority calls on the government to abandon the alleged fraudulent $85 million claim. They urge the government to settle the actual outstanding $500,000. Additionally, they insist on completing the remaining 2 percent of work on the facility without further delay for public use. This situation could lead to further political confrontations and potential delays in the hospital's completion.
The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defence will likely respond to these allegations. This response will be crucial for public confidence and transparency. The market will closely watch how this dispute impacts government spending and future project funding approvals. This situation underscores the need for robust financial controls and clear documentation in all public projects.