Read the full story for details on the allegations and the response being sought by the petitioner.
#AkuapemSouth #GhanaPolitics #LocalGovernment #Governance #PublicAccountability
Fresh controversy has emerged at the Akuapem South Municipal Assembly following the submission of a petition seeking the investigation and possible dismissal of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Paul Osae Ofei, over allegations of financial mismanagement and procurement-related irregularities.
The petition, addressed to the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, alleges that the MCE sanctioned a series of expenditures that raise serious concerns about accountability, value for money and the prudent use of public resources.
Supported by nine documentary exhibits, the petition claims that a total of GH¢1,350,295.38 was spent on various projects and activities under the Assembly’s administration in ways that require urgent scrutiny by relevant state institutions.
Among the key issues raised is the cost of constructing five boreholes within the municipality. Documents attached to the petition allegedly show that the Assembly approved expenditures amounting to GH¢769,175.38 for the project.
The petitioner argues that the amount spent translates into an average cost of more than GH¢150,000 per borehole, significantly higher than prevailing market rates. According to the petition, such expenditure raises questions about cost efficiency and whether taxpayers received value for money.
The petition also casts doubt on an expenditure of GH¢66,700 reportedly earmarked to facilitate the participation of the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment during the Odwira Festival celebrations.
According to the petitioner, concerns have arisen over the expenditure because one of the ministers reportedly did not attend the event, prompting questions about how the allocated funds were utilized and whether proper financial procedures were followed.
Beyond these concerns, the petition highlights several other expenditures it describes as excessive and deserving of further examination. These include funds reportedly spent on the preparation of concept notes and social safeguard documents, environmental and sanitation planning, public participation reports, progress report dissemination, security operations, data validation workshops and National Sanitation Day activities.
The petitioner contends that when considered collectively, the expenditures reveal a pattern of financial decisions that may not align with principles of transparency, efficiency and sound public financial management.
As a result, the petition is calling on the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to order an independent investigation into the financial affairs of the Akuapem South Municipal Assembly. It further urges the minister to take appropriate administrative action should the allegations be proven.
The petitioner maintains that the issues raised are of significant public interest and require immediate attention to safeguard public funds and strengthen confidence in local governance.
Efforts to obtain a response from Hon. Paul Osae Ofei or officials of the Akuapem South Municipal Assembly regarding the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
