The Minority has accused the government of failing to provide adequate explanations surrounding the release of GH₵350 million approved for flood relief efforts, citing questions over the source and legality of the funds. The caucus argued that the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal require immediate clarification from relevant state institutions.
Addressing the Media, the Member of Parliament for Asokwa and Deputy Minority Leader, Honourable Patricia Appiagyei, stated that documents available to the Minority indicated that the contingency fund was under garnishee proceedings when the funds were released. She explained that the situation raised questions about the process followed by the Attorney General, the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance.
The Asokwa MP stated that a letter from the Attorney General to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana acknowledged that the contingency fund was subject to a court process. She added that the document is the basis of the Minority’s demand for further investigations into how the emergency funds were accessed.
Honourable Appiagyei explained that the Attorney General’s communication advised the Central Bank to proceed with the release of the approved amount despite the ongoing legal proceedings. She argued that such a decision require closer examination because public funds must be managed within the limits of constitutional and financial regulations.
“The Attorney General confirmed that the contingency fund was under garnishee proceedings, yet the release of the approved funds proceeded. Ghanaians deserve clear answers on how this process was carried out.”
Honourable Patricia Appiagyei
Furthermore, the Minority Deputy Leader questioned whether the Attorney General took sufficient legal steps after becoming aware of the court proceedings involving the fund. She stated that the Attorney General, as the principal legal adviser to government, has a responsibility to provide guidance that protected the integrity of public financial administration.
The Minority also referenced Article 88 of the Constitution, which outlines the responsibilities of the Attorney General in civil proceedings involving the state. Honourable Appiagyei argued that the circumstances surrounding the fund need accountability from officials responsible for legal and financial decisions.
Additionally, she called on the President to take action regarding the conduct of the Attorney General over the handling of the matter. The Asokwa MP insisted that public confidence in state institutions depended on transparency and accountability in the management of national resources.
According to the Minority, the Attorney General and the Minister for Finance must appear before Parliament to provide documents relating to the garnishee order, the judgment debt, correspondence among state institutions and the release of the funds. Honourable Appiagyei said such information would help Parliament examine the process and establish the facts surrounding the transaction.
The caucus also requested that the Governor of the Bank of Ghana explain whether the Central Bank acted on the Attorney General’s directive, the account from which the funds were released and the authority behind the transaction. Moreover, the Minority called for a special audit by the Auditor’s General Department into the distribution of the flood relief money.
Minority Seeks Investigation Into Alleged Alternative Account Withdrawal
The Minority raised further questions over the source of the GH₵350 million flood relief allocation, arguing that the funds may have been withdrawn from an account different from the one approved by Parliament. The caucus stated that such a development would require urgent review to determine whether established financial procedures were followed.
Addressing the financial arrangements surrounding the emergency response programme, Honourable Patricia Appiagyei alleged that the contingency fund remained affected by a court process at the time the money was released. She explained that the unresolved legal situation creates uncertainty about the actual account used for the disbursement.
Honourable Appiagyei explained that Parliament approved the allocation based on the contingency fund, making the source of the eventual payment a key issue for examination. She added that financial accountability is required by the government to clearly identify the origin of public funds used for emergency programmes.
“If the approved source was unavailable, then Ghanaians deserve to know where the money came from. Every withdrawal from public funds must follow the law and receive the required approval.”
Honourable Patricia Appiagyei
Moreover, the Minority questioned a statement from the Ministry of Finance which indicated that the funds have been released from the contingency fund. The caucus argued that if another account was used, the official communication would require clarification to ensure accuracy.
The Deputy Minority Leader stated that Ghana’s financial management laws provide clear procedures for withdrawals from public accounts. She referred to the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, Act 921, which sets requirements for responsible handling of state resources.
Additionally, the Minority called for a full parliamentary inquiry if satisfactory explanations are not provided by the relevant authorities. Honourable Appiagyei said the process would allow Parliament to examine the decisions taken by the Attorney General, the Ministry of Finance, the Controller and Accountant General’s Department and the Bank of Ghana.
The caucus indicated that legal options remained available should officials fail to provide adequate responses. It stated that constitutional mechanisms could be pursued to ensure that public institutions operate within the framework of accountability.
Meanwhile, the Minority urged state authorities to focus on providing complete information on the flood relief fund arrangements. Honourable Appiagyei stressed that transparency in public finance management is essential, especially when emergency resources are involved.
READ ALSO: Ghanaian Stars Unite for Highly Anticipated Sequel Single
