Ghana’s Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) has expressed significant concern over the limited involvement of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in projects funded by petroleum revenues. This exclusion often leads to the construction of ill-suited or poorly maintained infrastructure across the country. PIAC's findings follow inspections of various petroleum-funded projects in several regions.
This lack of local input frequently results in infrastructure that is either not fit for purpose or remains underutilised after completion. In some cases, projects suffer from poor maintenance or operational challenges, diminishing the impact of these public investments. For instance, in Biakoye, market stalls built with oil money remain empty because traders find them too small.
This issue highlights a broader challenge in Ghana's public finance and development strategy. The efficient allocation and management of petroleum revenues are critical for sustainable economic growth and improved public services. Inefficiencies in project delivery can erode public trust and divert funds from other crucial sectors of the economy, impacting national development goals. Ghana's Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) specifically allocates oil revenues for development projects, making their effective implementation paramount.
PIAC stated that the exclusion of MMDAs “often resulted in the construction of infrastructure that was either not fit for purpose, poorly maintained or underutilised.” This statement underscores the need for greater decentralisation in project management. The committee's inspections revealed several problems, including an Agenda 111 Hospital project in Jasikan that remains at the foundation stage. Similarly, in Ketu North, a road reported to have received ABFA support for bitumen surfacing had not been surfaced, according to community members.
The observed shortcomings suggest a need for immediate corrective action from implementing agencies and contractors. Greater collaboration with local authorities is crucial to ensure projects meet community needs and are properly maintained. This improved oversight could prevent future financial losses and maximise the social and economic benefits of Ghana's petroleum wealth. Decision-makers must address these systemic issues to improve public sector efficiency and accountability.
For example, a 1,000-metric-tonne warehouse in Dzodze, operational since November 2025, requires additional logistical support and maintenance despite serving its purpose. A Gakli CHPS Compound, while providing essential healthcare, faces inadequate infrastructure and staffing shortages. An Aflao Border police post, funded by ABFA and operational since late 2025, lacks electricity and water, limiting operations to daytime hours.