In a significant move towards promoting transparency and accountability, the Minority in Parliament has written to the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development and the Administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF). The letter, which was sent under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989), requests the full disclosure of the costs associated with the construction equipment being distributed to various districts under the government’s District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
The request was made by Honourable Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in Parliament, and it seeks comprehensive details on several key aspects of the DRIP. Specifically, the Minority is asking for:
1. The cost at which each unit of equipment meant for DRIP, launched on Wednesday, 31st July 2024, has been procured.
2. The payment schedule for the equipment.
3. The total payment made in respect of the equipment to date.
4. The total cost of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
The equipment in question includes:
- – 6 x 4 Tipper Trucks
- – Water Tank Trucks
- – Wheel Loaders
- – Motor Graders
- – Rollers
These pieces of machinery are essential for the road construction and improvement efforts across various districts. The funds for these purchases were approved by Parliament under the Common Fund Formula, which underscores the need for accountability in their acquisition and deployment.
The Minority NDC Caucus emphasized their commitment to ensuring value for money in government expenditures. They pointed out that while the launch of the DRIP was broadcasted, the actual costs and financial commitments associated with the equipment remain unclear to the public and even to members of Parliament.
Dr. Forson stated, “We are interested in knowing the prices at which the equipment were procured to ensure that there is no financial mismanagement and that the resources are being utilized effectively for the benefit of the districts and their residents.”
The RTI Act, which came into force in 2019, is a critical tool for enhancing transparency and fostering an informed citizenry. The Minority’s request aligns with the principles of this Act, aiming to hold the government accountable and ensure that public funds are used judiciously.
As the country awaits a response from the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development and the DACF Administrator, this move by the Minority underscores the importance of transparency in governance and the need for meticulous oversight in public spending.
For now, all eyes will be on the authorities as they prepare to provide the requested information, which will shed light on the financial aspects of the DRIP and potentially influence future decisions in the realm of public infrastructure development.
