The Presidential Advisor on health, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, has pushed back against criticisms towards the government’s expenditure on COVID-19. He specifically addressed the allegations made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), stating that their claims lacked substance.
Dr. Nsiah-Asare referenced a recent World Bank audit that found the government’s handling of COVID-19 funds to be satisfactory. This audit indicated prudence in expenditure, contradicting the accusations from the opposition party.
During an interview on Onua FM’s Yen Nsempa morning show, Dr. Nsiah-Asare emphasized the importance of seeking accurate information before making accusations. He encouraged individuals to verify information before making allegations.
The NDC had accused the government of misusing COVID-19 funds, prompting their communication officer, Sammy Gyamfi, to call for a return of any misused funds to the consolidated funds, especially those spent during the 2020 election period.
Dr. Nsiah-Asare reiterated the World Bank’s satisfaction with the expenditure accounts, refuting the claims made by the NDC. He highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in handling public funds.
In January 2023, the Auditor-General published a report revealing various infractions in the government’s expenditure for COVID-19 from March 2020 to June 2022. The report uncovered corrupt practices such as payment for undelivered ambulances, unapproved payments for Covid insurance, and payment for vaccines that were never delivered, resulting in significant financial losses for the country.
Overall, Dr. Nsiah-Asare’s comments shed light on the government’s efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in handling COVID-19 funds. It remains crucial for all stakeholders to work together to combat the pandemic effectively and efficiently.
