Leaders of the Concerned Citizens With George K. Agbavor (middle), Sylvanu Alympio Sogbe (left) and Victor Rabbi Mensah (Right)
The Akatsi South District of the Volta Region is reportedly facing challenges due to GH¢4 million debt the current administration inherited from the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.
Owing to the situation, contractors and other people usually besiege the Assembly to collect their monies.
The situation worsens when they hear about the release of the Common Fund, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Leo-Nelson Adzidogah said.
The DCE disclosed this to DAILY GUIDE in reaction to a recent press conference held by a group calling itself the Concerned Patriots of Akatsi South.
The group, in a statement signed by its leader, George K. Agbavor and read by Secretary, Sylvanus Olympio Sogbe, accused the Akatsi South District Assembly (ASDA) and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) of doing nothing to settle the debt.
They, therefore, called on the Assembly, VRCC and President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, to conduct an audit into the activities of the assembly or else they would take legal action.
The group could not fathom why the Assembly and VRCC have not conducted a forensic audit into the accounts of the Assembly after two years to ascertain the actual debt on the books of the assembly since 31st December, 2016.
The group observed that since the new administration took office, development has stagnated in the area.
Allegations
The residents also raised concerns about the inability to trace a grader which was bought in 2008 to support the construction of the Akatsi-Akanu Road.
They complained about a loan of GH¢100,000 secured in 2004 from National Investment Bank (NIB) to build a non-existent sugar factory at Xavi and a GH¢8,000 loan allegedly secured by some officials in 2013 on behalf of the Assembly without authorization.
“These allegations and many more make us suspect that a lot of money has been allocated for non-existent projects. “Our earlier pleas for an audit, including that of the chiefs, led by Awadada Torgbi Aklime Adifu III, have not been heeded; we want President Akufo-Addo to intervene as a matter of urgency.
“The level of apathy on the part of the Assembly and government over the issue is shocking, persons responsible for the debt must be found culpable. If we don’t hear anything positive, we will head to court for answers,” they stated.
DCE’s Response
In response, the DCE admitted that his administration inherited about GH¢4 million as debt.
He debunked claims by the residents that the assembly has failed to explain challenges of the assembly to them on numerous occasions.
He said that VRCC and Attorney General’s Office are aware that the Auditor General’s Department has promised on several occasions to conduct an audit at ASDA.
“Notwithstanding the challenges, we have conducted assessment to prioritise payment of some of the monies. So far, about GH¢1.5 million has been paid. This has given the Assembly breathing space to commence some new projects, including renovation of the Assembly. Aside that, the District Development Fund (DDF) has been channeled towards new projects, including sheds at the market.
Mr. Adzidogah, popularly known as Homeboy, revealed that the Assembly has put in place measures to prevent the accumulation of debts.
“At the same time initiatives have been employed to improve internally generated funds while proposals have been made to attract investors.”
From Fred Duodu, Akatsi (k.duodu@yahoo.com)