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.
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.
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