Accra, Ghana – Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie has formally requested the Attorney-General to investigate alleged procurement breaches and financial irregularities totaling GH¢33 million, which surfaced during a broader audit of GH¢69 billion in government arrears. The call for an investigation was made during Public Accounts Committee proceedings on Thursday, May 21, though the Ministry of Finance has reportedly contested the claims due to a lack of supporting documentation.
Heritage Site Warnings Prompt Audit Scrutiny
The Minister revealed that upon assuming office, she received urgent warnings from UNESCO concerning the dilapidated state of Ghana’s historic forts and castles. These warnings indicated a significant risk of the nation being delisted from the World Heritage register.
She explained that a committee had repeatedly flagged these issues in both 2022 and 2024, necessitating immediate action. The Minister herself undertook diplomatic efforts, including a trip to France, to plead Ghana’s case and secure the heritage status.
Attempts to engage the former Director of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board regarding restoration efforts for the forts and castles proved unsuccessful, according to the Minister. The apparent difficulty in obtaining clarity from the Budget Officer suggested that financial decisions and disbursements for these projects were managed directly between the ministry and the board’s leadership at the time.
Call for Attorney-General Investigation
Citing a lack of transparency in fund utilization, Minister Gomashie urged the Public Accounts Committee to recommend a full investigation by the Attorney-General. “I want to suggest that because of the lack of transparency on how these monies were disbursed and used for the restoration of the forts and castles, that you do recommend this to the Attorney-General so that we have some closure on this matter,” she stated.
The Minister emphasized the ongoing threat to Ghana’s World Heritage status. “As we speak, we still stand the risk of being delisted. So I’m very passionate about it, and I would like to suggest to the committee that you ensure that you assist us to get to the bottom of this by recommending to the attorney general to take charge of it,” she urged.
Revitalizing the Marine Drive Project
In parallel, the Minister provided an update on the stalled Marine Drive project, outlining the steps being taken to recommence its implementation.
The government has reconstituted the board of Amdel, the special purpose vehicle created to oversee the Marine Drive project, aiming to enhance coordination and project delivery. The Deputy Minister now chairs this reconstituted committee.
Amdel and the project’s anchor developer are preparing to launch a roadshow to attract potential investors and secure the necessary financing. Minister Gomashie expressed optimism that essential preparatory phases are complete.
“I think we have crossed all the T’s and dotted all the I’s. We just need people to express interest in it and, of course, bring the financing to come and engage with the ministry so that we can take off from there,” she noted.
Future Outlook
The focus now shifts to the Attorney-General’s office to determine if an investigation into the GH¢33 million will be launched. Simultaneously, the success of the Marine Drive project hinges on attracting significant investment following the upcoming roadshow. The outcome of these efforts will be critical for both preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage and stimulating economic development through large-scale infrastructure projects.
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