News
Some DDF projects remain uncompleted, substandard—Auditor General Report
Despite improvement in infrastructure delivery in various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) through the implementation of the District Development Funding (DDF), some projects remain uncompleted and substandard, the Auditor General, Mr Daniel Yaw Domelevo has said.
The execution of projects through the DDF in MMDAs, according to the Performance Audit Report on Capital Projects by the Auditor General, had considerably impacted education, health, occupation and the cost of living of individuals in the benefiting communities across the country.
The purpose of the audit was to ascertain whether the assemblies were capable of
planning, procuring contractors, supervising and monitoring the delivery of selected projects in accordance with sound administrative principles, practices and management policies to guarantee value for money.
“Our audit disclosed that there have been improved infrastructure delivery in MMDAs through the implementation of DDF and the impact on the socio-economic development of the communities has been significant,” the report mentioned.
Meanwhile, the report observed that many infrastructural projects commenced by MMDAs had stalled with some completed ones being substandard.
The situation had resulted in the deterioration of some projects within a short period after handing over, hence, denying beneficiaries the expected outcome, the report added.
“Many infrastructure projects undertaken by MMDAs remain uncompleted for a long time while completed ones are of low quality resulting in their deterioration within a short period after handing over, thus denying users the intended benefits,” the report said.
The report which covered a five-year period (2014 to 2019), noticed through the analysis of expenditure of district disbursement on projects showed that significant portion of budget was used to fund developments of educational facilities, Health (CHPS Compounds), KVIPs (sanitation) and Markets (economic).
Some projects included in the report included a six classroom pavilion at Bawjiase SHS, male, female and children’s ward at the Senya Health Center, and a market at Bontrase, all in the Awutu Senya West District.
Others included a teachers’ quarters at Nyariga, police station at Sunbrungu, both in the Bolgatanga Municipality.
The rest were; the Akatsi Main Lorry Park in the Akatsi South District, a two-story community health nursing training hostel at Asafo (Sefwi Wiaswo Municipal Assembly), Yam Market shed at Sang (Mion District).
The report which examined the capacity of assemblies focused on; project identification and planning, budgeting processes, procurement of contractors/Consultants, project implementation (Quality assurance through supervision), project status reporting, accountability (monitoring), and sustainability and impact to beneficiaries.
The DDF was set up in 2008 with the goal of improving the performance of MMDAs in Ghana by providing incentives to assemblies that comply with existing legal and administrative procedures.
BY: FRANCIS NTOW
News
National Service Authority to Introduce Military Training
Management of the National Service Authority, yesterday, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, held talks with the Military High Command towards the implementation of the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme (NSERRP).
When implemented, this will reflect His Excellency the President’s commitment towards the implementation of a short military training for National Service Personnel (NSPs) as planned efforts to instill discipline, nationalism and physical fitness among Ghanaian graduates.
The President shared this position during his maiden State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday February 27, 2025.
At yesterday ’s meeting, the Director-General, Mr. Felix Gyamfi reiterated the need for all personnel to undergo basic military drills and orientation as part of orienting the youth to embrace national development.
“The introduction of this military training is a step in the right direction and must be embraced by all and sundry as one of the indicators for resetting the country, particularly the youth,” he commented.
On his part, Brigadier General Amoah-Boakye assured the Authority of their willingness to provide the requisite training for personnel when the Programme officially commences.
In all, personnel will receive up to two months of composite basic military drills starting 3rd August, 2025.
News
Ghana Tourism Authority acts on concerns of minors allegedly taken to Hotel in Accra New Town.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has taken swift action following reports circulating on social media regarding an incident involving minors allegedly taken to a hotel in Accra New Town.
The case has been formally reported to the Nima Division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation.
In line with their mandate to ensure safety and compliance in the tourism and hospitality sector, our CEO Mrs.Maame Efua Houadjeto delegated a team from the GTA Head Office, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy CEO, Special Duties and Mr Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO, Operations who joined the Greater Accra Regional Director, Ms. Roberta Dawson-Amoah, and the Deputy Director of Marketing, Ms. Clara Nketiah, to visit the said facility.
The objective was to verify the facts on the ground and take necessary regulatory action.
They commended the Ghana Police Service for their co-operation and continued support in the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, the team inspected Royal Dede Beach Resort, which has been converted into a hostel under new management without official notification to the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The team discovered that the hostel’s operations were not in compliance with the L. I 2239. Meanwhile the operator has been directed to the Standards and Quality Assurance Department of the Authority for the necessary regulation.
“We remind all accommodation operators that the Tourism(Registration and Licensing of Accommodation) Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2239) mandates every facility to register and obtain a license from the GTA before commencing operations.
This regulation ensures quality, safety, and compliance across the industry,” they noted.
The GTA they said, remains committed to safeguarding the public and upholding the highest standards in the hospitality sector and urged
the public to report suspicious or non-compliant facilities to the nearest GTA office.
