Bright Simons, the Honourary Vice President for IMANI Africa, has taken a bold step by filing a Right to Information (RTI) request to demand full disclosure on the utilisation of GHC3.6 million belonging to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA).
This amount is said to be part of a loan of GHC8.6 million for the KMA-Krofrom Market Project redevelopment.
Mr. Simons expressed concerns about financial propriety after reports surfaced about some GHC3 million that could not be properly accounted for. He highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
The Ghanaian Times reported that during the 9th General Meeting of the KMA on May 8, a loan of GH¢5 million initially earmarked for the Krofrom market redevelopment was increased to GH¢8 million. However, only GH¢4.8 million had been utilised for the market project, with no documentation provided for the disbursement of the remaining GH¢3 million.
In response to the media reports, KMA issued a statement on May 10 debunking the claims of misappropriation of funds. The Assembly clarified that there had been no reports or claims indicating any mismanagement of funds amounting to 3 million cedis from the project budget.
Furthermore, Fidelity Bank Ghana, where the funds were held, also provided clarity on the alleged missing money. The bank explained that there was no missing or unaccounted-for amount of GH¢3.6 million as indicated in KMA’s release. The total amount of GH¢8.6 million disbursed for Phase 1 of the project comprised GH¢4 million from Fidelity Bank’s approved facility and GH¢4.6 million from KMA’s contribution towards the project.
Despite the explanations provided by KMA and Fidelity Bank Ghana, Mr. Simons remains unsatisfied with the conflicting information. He took to social media to announce the filing of an RTI request to KMA, seeking a detailed understanding of the arrangements between the bank and the Assembly.
Mr. Simons’ lawyers, Gratia Law Consult, are adamant about the need for full disclosure of the information, citing statutory and public policy grounds. They argue that Fidelity Bank qualifies as a relevant private body within the meaning of the term in Act 989 and should not be exempt from sharing the necessary details of their dealings with state-owned institutions.
The call for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds is crucial for good governance and the trust of citizens.
