By Morkporkpor Anku
Accra, Sept. 30, GNA – The Ministry of Finance has called for stronger institutional capacity and fiduciary systems to ensure effective implementation of African Development Bank (AfDB)-financed projects in Ghana.
The call was made at a three-day Institutional Capacity Building and Fiduciary Clinic organised by the AfDB in Accra to strengthen the capacity of institutions implementing its projects.
Mr Isaac Fraikue, Director of the External Resource Mobilisation Division of the Ministry of Finance, said effective project implementation required more than financial resources.
He said strong institutional capacity, sound procurement practices and effective financial management were essential to achieving project objectives.
Mr Fraikue said robust fiduciary systems were critical to ensuring value for money, transparency and accountability, while delays in procurement, processing and disbursement could slow the delivery of project benefits to citizens.
The AfDB currently supports Ghana through 20 ongoing operations valued at approximately US$672 million.
The financing covers key sectors, including agriculture, which accounts for about US$161.3 million, representing 24 per cent; transport, US$147.8 million (22 per cent); social interventions, US$100.8 million (15 per cent); and multi-sector and governance programmes, US$94.1 million (14 per cent).
Other areas include power, with about US$80.6 million (12 per cent); water and sanitation, US$47 million (seven per cent); and finance, US$40.3 million (six per cent).
Mr Fraikue expressed appreciation to the AfDB for its continued partnership and support for Ghana’s development agenda.
He encouraged participants to use the clinic to examine practical challenges affecting project implementation, share experiences and identify solutions before such challenges adversely affected projects.
Madam Halima Hisha, AfDB Country Manager for Ghana, said the Bank’s support to the country covered 20 ongoing operations.
She said the clinic was aimed at strengthening the capacity of project teams in procurement, financial management, environmental and social safeguards, monitoring and evaluation, gender and climate issues.
The clinic brought together representatives from sector ministries, Project Implementation Units and other key stakeholders.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Morkporkpor Anku
Email: [email protected]