By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah, GNA
Tema, April 02, GNA – Dr Daniel Osabutey, Senior Lecturer at the Accra Technical University, has raised concerns over the independence of the Value for Money Office (VfMO), cautioning that political influence in board appointments could weaken institutional objectivity and distort certification outcomes.
The policy, which makes it mandatory for all major public projects to receive approval from the Value for Money Office before funds are committed, is intended to improve accountability and prevent waste. It requires ministries, departments, and agencies to justify the cost, relevance, and expected benefits of projects before implementation.
Dr Osabutey told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that while the initiative had the potential to strengthen financial discipline and improve project quality, its success would depend largely on the independence of the Value for Money Office and explained that political influence in the appointment of the office’s governing board could compromise objectivity in decision-making.
According to him, if board members were selected based on political considerations rather than competence, there was a risk that project approvals might not reflect actual value for money, and noted that the compulsory nature of the Value for Money Certificate gave the office significant control over public investment decisions.
He said it was critical to prevent any form of external interference that could lead to biased approvals or delays in critical projects, adding that even with established standards, political pressure could result in selective application of rules, thereby weakening public confidence in the system.
“There is also the possibility that some projects may bypass the process through loopholes, or that institutions may simply prepare documents that appear compliant without delivering real value,” he stated.
Dr Osabutey warned that without openness and strong rules to protect the system, the initiative might not succeed, and suggested having clear and fair appointment processes, set terms for board members, and legal protections against unfair removal.
He also suggested the inclusion of representatives from multiple sectors to ensure balanced oversight and called for the digitisation of the certification process to improve transparency and reduce human interference.
He also stressed the need for clear timelines and an effective appeals system to ensure fairness, stating that “strong anti-corruption measures, including staff rotation and independent checks within the VfMO, will be necessary to maintain integrity”.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/George-Ramsey Benamba