PIAC flags abandoned and poorly built oil-funded projects in Eastern, Northern regions

The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) has uncovered major concerns during its latest inspection of petroleum-funded projects in the Eastern and Northern Regions, warning that abandoned works, poor supervision, and delayed payments continue to undermine infrastructure delivery.

The inspections, carried out in June across districts including Upper Manya Krobo, Asuogyaman, Mion, and Yendi, assessed projects funded through the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) as part of PIAC’s mandate under the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA), 2011 (Act 815).

In Upper Manya Krobo, PIAC reported that a rural market project, which received GH¢169,516.27 in 2024, had visible leakages and algae growth despite being in use.

A mechanised borehole promised under the project was also not constructed. On the Mensah-Dawa Apimsu-Asesewa Feeder Road, which received GH¢1 million, only concrete drains had been completed, while road surfacing had not started. “The contractor was not on site,” the committee noted.

By contrast, in Asuogyaman, the Kwanyako CHPS Compound—funded with over GH¢2.6 million between 2020 and 2023—was completed and operational. PIAC commended the project as an example of “quality and completion” in the use of petroleum funds.

In Yendi, the Committee flagged discrepancies on the Gamandze-Paansiya Link Road, funded with nearly GH¢1 million. While records claimed that gravel surfacing and culverts had been done, inspectors found only earthworks. 

Residents also reported frequent flooding due to the poor state of the road. The Yendi-Saboba Road, which received more than GH¢4.4 million, was found riddled with potholes and cracks, with locals alleging that “the Contractor had not been on site since 2019.”

In Mion District, dam projects meant to support irrigation and water access were found defective. The Nanvili and Sakoya dams, funded with GH¢626,725.44, showed low embankments and erosion, while the Sambu dam, which received over GH¢550,000, was reported by residents to have originally been built by the community itself decades ago. 

PIAC said the contractor only did “minor embankment levelling and a rock barrier,” leaving the community vulnerable to flooding.

Summarising its concerns, PIAC stated, “The inspection of the ABFA-funded projects brought up concerns for redress. These include contractors abandoning projects due to poor supervision and delays in contract payments. These issues continue to hinder progress and compromise the quality of infrastructure delivery.”

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying public engagement and ensuring transparency in petroleum revenue management.