The Ministry of Finance has accused the previous Akufo-Addo administration of redirecting $65 million meant for a flood protection project to support COVID-19-related activities.
Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Finance, Frederick Amissah, said the funds were part of the World Bank-funded Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, which was designed to address flooding challenges in the Greater Accra Region.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, July 6, Mr Amissah rejected claims that delays in releasing funds contributed to challenges affecting the project.
“There haven’t been any delays in the release of funds, and I just don’t know where that is coming from,” he said.
He explained that GARID was among several World Bank loan-funded projects undertaken by the state and stressed the need for accountability, since such facilities must be repaid by taxpayers.
According to Mr Amissah, the John Dramani Mahama administration uncovered several instances of what he described as inappropriate use of borrowed funds after assuming office in 2025.
He said the diversion of funds originally allocated for development projects had implications for the implementation of those initiatives and the country’s debt obligations.