Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Ken Ofori Atta has called on the EU Mission to desist from controlling financing agreements and grants given out to support developmental projects and sectors of the economy.
According to him, more often than not, development partners including the EU control a chunk percentage of the funds Ghana receives and this undermines our capacity to grow and develop.
And that Ghana as country have the resources – human resources and institutions where we prioritize areas of the economy the monies should go.
“I understand that out of € 175 million only €53 million is directly managed by Government of Ghana within its financial system. The remaining amount of € 122 million will be managed by two development agencies of EU Member state namely; GIZ, Agence Francais Development and the world Bank through delegated agreements with the EU”
He further lamented the administrative fees of each delegated agreement which is about 8% (€ 9,760,000). So in real terms, only an estimated €112 million is available for the implementation of the programmes.
Finance Minister made these firm statements when he and EU Ambassador and Head of EU Delegation’s, William Hanna signed four new Financing Agreements under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) totaling 175 million euros.
An amount of €102 million will support Agriculture development in the Northern Savannah Ecological Zone, to promote inclusive, climate resilient and sustainable economic growth in rural communities in all 11 districts in the Upper West Region as well as 3 districts in the Northern Region.
Also, €45 million will be injected into decentralization sector through the implementation of Ghanaian National Decentralization Policy Framework to improve local service delivery at MMDAs, whilst €20 million is to implement gender sensitive climate adaptation and mitigation practices in 14 districts and 200 communities.
Lastly, 8 million is to support public finance management as well as improving economic governance and business environment. The beneficiary institutions are Ghana Audit Service, Internal Audit Agency Public Procurement Authority, Parliament and Trade Ministry.
The Minister however commended the EU for the support and mentioned that provision of infrastructure such as dams, feeder roads and warehouses in the Upper West Region under the EU Agricultural Programme complements Gov’t’s efforts to build a strong agro-based economy that will support the One District One Factory initiative.
Meanwhile, the EU Ambassador and Head of the Delegation, H.E. William Hanna, lauded the mantra “Ghana beyond Aid” but cautioned that it is achievable if Gov’t sees it as part of a long term effort to improve the way we work together – embracing sustainable economic growth.
Beachfmonline.com|Ghana
