Parliament is set to launch investigations into major financial scandals and alleged abuses that occurred under the immediate past Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. This decisive move was announced by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, signaling a significant intensification of parliamentary oversight.
Speaking during the resumption of the second meeting of the first session of the 9th Parliament on Tuesday, May 27, Mr. Ayariga stated that the greatest threat to Ghana’s democratic fabric was impunity. He cautioned that Parliament risked betraying public trust if it failed to hold those responsible for the “brazen plunder” of national resources to account.
“We will embark on a relentless pursuit of accountability in public financial management, aiming to expose the networks of corruption that have drained the nation’s wealth,” the Majority Leader declared.
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Targets for scrutiny
Topping the list of priorities for parliamentary scrutiny is a comprehensive investigation into the management of Ghana’s COVID-19 funds. The controversial Agyapa Royalties agreement and the $190 million PDS power distribution deal, which was terminated over alleged fraud, are also firmly back under the spotlight. Mr. Ayariga lambasted the PDS deal as “reckless financial management that cost the nation dearly.”
He disclosed that Parliament would also delve into widespread sole-sourcing practices and politically connected contracts awarded during the previous administration, which allowed a select few to enrich themselves at the expense of ordinary Ghanaians.
Tracking stolen funds
Mr. Ayariga stressed the role of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), a government initiative tasked with retrieving stolen public funds. He revealed that 36 financial cases, including land fraud involving over $702.2 million, are currently under review, with total estimated losses exceeding $20 billion.
“We will summon ORAL for updates. Ghanaians have a right to know the status of these recoveries,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for transparency in the recovery efforts.
The Majority Leader also raised concerns about the Bank of Ghana’s new headquarters, pointing out that its cost escalated from an initial estimate of $81.8 million to a staggering $250 million. He criticized the project as “reckless,” noting that $11.1 million had already been spent on furniture despite the building being incomplete and structurally unsafe.
Accountability
Mr. Ayariga stressed that Parliament would not disregard public protests against such alleged mismanagement. “The hardworking citizens of Ghana who took to the streets in protest against such blatant mismanagement of public funds deserve answers. Their sacrifices must not be in vain,” he affirmed.
The Majority Leader announced plans for regular briefings from the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General. He also indicated a tougher stance on the performance of the Special Prosecutor.
Mr. Ayariga disclosed a proposal for U.S.-style Senate hearings that would aim to expose systemic corruption and facilitate recommendations for sweeping governance reforms.
“We are resetting Ghana’s governance systems—and doing so with rigor,” Majority Leader Ayariga stressed.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com