The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) has questioned a petroleum-funded road project in the Volta Region after inspectors found no bitumen surfacing, contrary to official records. This significant discrepancy emerged during an inspection of projects funded by the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) in the Eastern, Volta, and Oti Regions.
The Committee’s records show the Ehi-Dzodze Road project received petroleum revenue allocations for bitumen surfacing. However, a site visit revealed the road remained unsurfaced. Local residents informed PIAC that only drainage works had been completed on the road. This finding raises fresh questions about how projects financed with Ghana’s oil revenues are implemented and overseen.
This situation adds to a pattern of concerns regarding public investments funded by oil revenues. Previous PIAC reports have highlighted delays, maintenance challenges, and questions about the overall impact of such projects. The ABFA, a portion of Ghana's petroleum revenues, funds public services and infrastructure projects across the country. Ensuring these funds are used effectively is crucial for national development and economic stability, especially at a time when Ghana seeks to maximise returns from its natural resources.
PIAC is now seeking clarification from the relevant authorities regarding the Ehi-Dzodze Road project. This action aligns with the Committee's statutory mandate to monitor and evaluate the use of petroleum revenues under the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA). The Committee's inspections also uncovered other operational challenges in petroleum-funded projects. For instance, a completed three-unit classroom block for Kamalo D/A Junior High School in the Eastern Region remains unused due to a bat infestation. Additionally, a mechanised borehole at the Gakli Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Compound in Ketu South was not working during the inspection, despite the facility being occupied.
This query by PIAC is likely to prompt a response from the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Roads and Highways, or other implementing agencies. Stakeholders and citizens will closely watch for explanations and corrective actions. The findings could influence future allocations and oversight mechanisms for petroleum revenues. It reinforces PIAC's call for implementing agencies, contractors, and local authorities to ensure projects are fully functional and well-maintained. Increased scrutiny on how oil revenues are spent will be vital for Ghana's economic transparency and accountability frameworks.
PIAC reiterated its concerns about excluding Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) from project selection and maintenance processes. The Committee believes including MMDAs would improve local ownership and oversight, leading to better project outcomes. This recommendation, if adopted, could significantly enhance the impact of petroleum revenue investments. The sustained monitoring by PIAC supports its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and value for money in managing Ghana’s petroleum resources.