A petition has been submitted to the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ahmed Ibrahim, demanding an immediate probe into the Akuapem South Municipal Assembly.
The petition also calls for the removal of Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Paul Osae Ofei over what the petitioner describes as “gross financial recklessness, procurement irregularities and conflict of interest.”
The petition, filed by an anonymous complainant and supported by nine documentary exhibits, accuses the MCE of presiding over a pattern of expenditure decisions that allegedly violate principles of prudent public financial management and value-for-money procurement.
According to the petitioner, official documents originating from the office of the MCE reveal that a cumulative amount of GH¢1,350,295.38 was expended on various projects and activities without fair, reasonable or economically justifiable basis, raising serious questions about accountability and the stewardship of public resources within the Assembly.
The petitioner contends that the expenditures outlined in the exhibits represent a disturbing trend of financial impropriety and warrant immediate investigation by the appropriate state institutions.
A major aspect of the petition centres on the construction of five boreholes under what the petitioner describes as highly inflated budgetary allocations. Documents attached as Exhibit 4 allegedly show that the Assembly approved and expended GH¢307,670.15 and GH¢461,505.23 respectively for the drilling of only five boreholes, bringing the total expenditure to GH¢769,175.38.
The petitioner argues that the expenditure translates into an average cost of approximately GH¢153,835 per borehole, a figure he describes as “manifestly excessive and economically indefensible.”
According to the petition, prevailing market rates within the Akuapem South Municipality place the average cost of a borehole between GH¢25,000 and GH¢50,000, even under difficult geological conditions.
“The cost profile attached to the project raises legitimate concerns regarding value for money and prudent utilization of public funds,” portions of the petition reportedly state.
Another expenditure that has attracted scrutiny is an allocation of GH¢66,700 purportedly made to cater for the participation of the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment during the Odwira Festival.
The petitioner describes the expenditure as “shocking and excessive,” particularly because the Minister, reportedly did not attend the event.
The petition therefore questions the basis upon which the funds were expended and whether the expenditure met the standards of necessity, reasonableness and accountability expected in public administration.
Beyond these expenditures, the petitioner further points to a number of payments which he believes demonstrate a troubling disregard for fiscal discipline.
Exhibit 2 allegedly shows that a total amount of GH¢126,900 was expended on the preparation of concept notes and social safeguard documents.
Similarly, Exhibit 3 reportedly indicates that the MCE requested GH¢110,700 for the preparation of an Environmental and Sanitation Plan, out of which GH¢80,000 was immediately released.
The petitioner argues that the sums allocated for the preparation of what he describes as “routine administrative documents” are disproportionate and require forensic scrutiny.
Additional expenditures cited in the petition include:
– GH¢85,760 allegedly spent on the preparation and dissemination of a Popular Participation Report (Exhibit 5);
– GH¢57,660 allegedly expended on the dissemination of a Progress Report (Exhibit 6);
– GH¢52,800 reportedly spent in support of security operations (Exhibit 7);
– GH¢48,900 allegedly used for a Data Collection and Validation Workshop (Exhibit 8); and
– GH¢62,400 reportedly allocated to support National Sanitation Day activities (Exhibit 9).
The petitioner maintains that the cumulative effect of these expenditures points to what he describes as a pattern of financial excesses, poor judgement and potential abuse of public office.
Consequently, the petition is urging the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to institute an immediate independent investigation into the financial administration of the Akuapem South Municipal Assembly and to take appropriate administrative action, including the removal of the Municipal Chief Executive should the allegations be substantiated.
The petitioner insists that the gravity of the allegations, coupled with the documentary evidence attached, warrants urgent intervention to protect the public purse and restore confidence in local governance within the municipality
