By Omanba Kodwo Boafo: Trust News Ghana | Asesewa, June 24, 2025
A routine public engagement by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) in Upper Manya Krobo District turned into a heated accountability showdown after revelations about oil-funded projects in the district left residents and traditional leaders deeply suspicious.
Held on Tuesday at the Upper Manya Krobo District Assembly Hall in Asesewa, the forum, meant to inform the public on how petroleum revenues have been used over the past fourteen years, instead ignited a wave of doubt and agitation over the mismanagement or possible disappearance of millions of cedis allocated to local development.
Money Was Paid, But Where Are the Projects?
Presiding over the meeting, Nene Ofei Tagbaja I, Divisional Chief of Asesewa, did not mince words. He openly expressed doubt about the accuracy of government records, hinting at collusion between the former Akufo-Addo administration and unnamed contractors.
“I am sure there is something between the then government and the contractor. There could be some mischief somewhere, and that is what we need to follow up to ensure we have things done right,” the chief said in an interview with Trust FM.
His concerns stem from what PIAC’s own monitoring had uncovered just a day before the meeting: disbursements from the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) with little to no physical evidence of work done.
Projects on Paper, Nowhere in Sight
One major revelation centered on a 2018 market structure intended to facelift the Asesewa Market. According to official documents, GH₵600,000 was spent on a rural market with a storage facility and mechanized boreholes. But PIAC’s on-ground check tells a different story: a single borehole was drilled but without pipelines, polytank and systems to enable supply, shoddy market shed stands, making way for rain drop and storage facility.
Equally concerning from the public was the reported bitumen surfacing of the Mensah Dawa–Apimsu road, for which GH₵1, 000, 000 was allocated. While PIAC noted some drainage work on the stretch, there was no trace of proper surfacing.
The GH₵169,516.17 earmarked in 2020 for regravelling the Asesewa–Abuosso road, not only was there no record of work done, but the identity of the contractor remains a mystery. Even more troubling, according to some participants, “the same stretch was reassigned to Maripoma Company Ltd. in 2021 for bitumen surfacing,” leaving residents wondering if this was a case of “double-dipping” or pure administrative confusion.
More Projects, More Questions
Another project drawing disbelief was the supposed sectional resurfacing and resealing of the Aseseso–Agomeda road with a price tag of GH₵2 million. Participants at the meeting questioned the territorial relevance of the project to Upper Manya Krobo.
PIAC admitted to possible errors in the data and promised to seek clarification from the Ministry of Finance.
Other petroleum-funded projects mentioned included, rigid pavement works on the Asesewa–Aketebuor road at cost of GH₵187,139.17 and Asesewa–Akonta road emptying the ABFA funds of GH₵185,849.54.
Rising Tempers and Calls for Action
During the open forum, frustration boiled over. One participant openly described the session as a “waste of time”, citing PIAC’s lack of clarity and documentation on the actual contract details and implementing entities.
Even the District Chief Executive, Hon. Kwesi Lawer, joined the critics. He acknowledged that what he saw during joint monitoring with PIAC didn’t match the reported investments.
“We need fresh information from the Ministry of Finance, including the names of contractors and exact amounts. Only then can we chart a clear path forward,” he told the media after the meeting.
Notably Absent
However, neither the former District Chief Executives, under whose regime these projects were brought into the district, nor any representatives from the previous New Patriotic Party government were seen at the meeting. Their absence raised additional eyebrows, especially among participants eager for answers.
“I don’t know why Joesam was not here to explain what he used the moneys for,” a man who introduced himself as a mechanic said.
Chiefs and Residents Demand Accountability
In his closing remarks, Nene Ofei called for the immediate formation of a district-level investigative task force to follow up on the revelations. He assured the gathering that the matter would not be swept under the carpet.
“We cannot let this go unanswered. Our roads, markets, and livelihoods depend on this money. The truth must come out,” he stressed.
About PIAC
Established under Section 51 of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (Act 815), PIAC is mandated to monitor and evaluate petroleum revenue use, provide a platform for public feedback and conduct independent assessments for Parliament and the Executive.
The engagement was part of PIAC’s public education series, led by officials including Mr. Edward Afriyie (AGI Representative), Isaac Dwamena Esq. (PIAC Coordinator), and Jessica Acheampong (Senior Communications Manager), along with members of civil society, media, security services, teachers, farmers, and disabled persons groups.
As Ghana refocused to rely on oil revenue for key infrastructure, as in accordance with the latest amendment of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, questions over transparency and accountability must not be taken lightly. Whether it’s ghost roads or missing market sheds, the people deserve to see the impact of every cedi spent.
