The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Honourable Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has formally requested detailed information from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development regarding the procurement costs of road construction equipment under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
This request is signed by Honourable Mahama Ayariga Esq., Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and Ranking Member of the Committee on Information and Communications was addressed to the Honourable Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hnorable Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah.
“Pursuant to section 18 of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), I write on the instructions of Honourable Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in Parliament, to request for the following information”.
Honourable Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and Ranking Member of the Committee on Information and Communications
Among several pieces of information, the Minority Caucus in Parliament demanded the cost at which each unit of equipment intended for the District Road Improvement Programme, launched on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, was procured.
Again, the National Democratic Congress Minority Caucus in Parliament demanded information on the payment schedule for the equipment, the total payment made concerning the equipment as of now, and the total cost of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
This inquiry according to the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga Esq. follows Parliament’s approval of funds under the Common Fund Formula for acquiring this equipment.
He noted that the initial approval includes 6*4 Tipper Trucks, Water Tank Trucks, Wheel Loaders, Motor Graders, and Rollers.
Honorable Mahama Ayariga vehemently underscored the National Democratic Congress Minority Caucus in Parliament’s commitment to ensuring value for money in all government procurement activities.
Concerns Over Procurement Transparency
He expressed concerns regarding the transparency and accountability of the procurement process, adding that given the significant investment involved, it is important to scrutinize the costs to ensure that the funds are used effectively and efficiently.
Additionally, Honourable Mahama Ayariga Esq. emphasized that the Minority Caucus in Parliament is particularly interested in the prices at which the equipment was procured.
This scrutiny, he noted is driven by the need to confirm that the government has obtained these assets at competitive prices, thereby ensuring prudent use of public funds.
The Ranking Member of the Committee on Information and Communications, Honorable Mahama Ayariga Esq. concluded his remarks by reiterating the Minority NDC Caucus’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency.
The DRIP, launched to improve road infrastructure across various districts, is a critical component of the current government’s broader agenda to enhance rural development.
The program aims to facilitate better connectivity and accessibility in rural areas, fostering economic growth and improving living standards.
President Akufo-Addo during his address at the launch of the project, highlighted the critical role of road infrastructure in economic growth and social development.
Despite significant progress in recent years, the President acknowledged that many district roads remain in poor condition, impeding economic activities and development.
However, the Minority’s call for transparency indicates a rigorous oversight approach to government spending, aiming to ensure that the funds allocated under the Common Fund Formula are used judiciously and that the procurement processes align with best practices in public financial management.
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is expected to respond promptly to the information request, providing detailed cost breakdowns and payment schedules.
This transparency will enable the Minority Caucus and the public to assess the fairness and reasonableness of the expenditures associated with the DRIP.
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