By: Valentia Tetteh
The Majority Caucus in Parliament has declared its commitment to a rigorous and uncompromising pursuit of accountability in Ghana’s public financial management, particularly in response to alleged misdeeds under the previous Akufo-Addo administration.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, May 27, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga laid out a multi-pronged agenda aimed at exposing financial irregularities and restoring public confidence in governance.
“During this sitting, the Majority Caucus will steer ahead a rigorous pursuit of accountability in Ghana’s public financial management. We will demand a full-scale parliamentary investigation into the handling of COVID-19 expenditures to ensure transparency in how emergency funds were utilized,” Mr. Ayariga stated.
He confirmed that Parliament would reopen investigations into the controversial Agyapa Royalties deal and seek a detailed update on the $190 million Power Distribution Services (PDS) scandal, an alleged case of fraud that disrupted efforts to privatize Ghana’s electricity distribution.
“This House will revisit the unresolved Agyapa Royalties deal and require a detailed update on the $190 million PDS scandal,” Ayariga emphasized.
The Majority Leader also announced plans to launch a full inquiry into the widespread use of sole sourcing for government contracts during the previous administration.
“We will expose how recklessness in contracting practices bled the nation’s coffers while enriching a select few politically connected individuals,” he added.
In a significant development, Mr. Ayariga revealed that Parliament would summon the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) to provide a briefing on major ongoing investigations.
“We will also summon Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) for briefings, particularly on the 36 financial cases over $20 billion financial case, including land-related fraud amounting to over $700 million,” he noted.
He concluded with a stark warning that failure to act would amount to a betrayal of public trust.
“The greatest danger to our democracy is impunity. If we fail to hold those responsible for this brazen plunder of public resources accountable, we betray the trust of every Ghanaian who demands justice” he stated.
