- Government pays $11 million for unfinished project.
- Lack of accountability and transparency.
- Citizens urged to hold government accountable.
Abraham Amaliba, a renowned legal practitioner and former Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed his dismay and disappointment at the Akufo-Addo-led government’s blatant disregard for the welfare of Ghanaians. Speaking on TV3’s The Big Issue on Friday, Amaliba lamented that the government has paid a staggering US$11 million to a contractor for the completion of the Pwalugu multipurpose dam project, despite no visible work being done at the site.
Amaliba described the project site as “a grassland,” emphasizing that the government’s actions are a clear indication of their lack of fear for the wrath of Ghanaians. He questioned why Ghanaians are not angry enough at the government’s blatant misuse of public funds, stating, “Aren’t you angry? That you have a situation where money is paid to a contractor and you get to the site, there is nothing there, and you say I shouldn’t describe them as thieves.”
The Pwalugu multipurpose dam project, one of the flagship projects of the current government, aims to provide power generation, irrigation, and flood control. However, Amaliba’s revelation has raised serious questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. President Akufo-Addo cut the sod for the project in November 2019, and Parliament approved it in February 2020. The project, funded by the Government of Ghana, is expected to take 50 months to complete.
Amaliba emphasized that the government’s actions are a result of their lack of fear for the people, stating, “When a government gets to a point where it doesn’t fear the wrath of the people, this is what happens. Governments must always be afraid of the people…but you get to a point where the government does not fear the wrath of the people, you have these things happening.” He added, “You give 11 million dollars out as the final payment and yet there is not a single block laid at the place.”
Amaliba’s comments have sparked outrage and concern among Ghanaians, who are demanding accountability and transparency from their government. The incident has raised questions about the government’s management of public funds and their commitment to delivering on their promises. As Amaliba emphasized, “We have not lived up to expectations as a people. When a government gets to a point where it doesn’t fear the wrath of the people, this is what happens.”
