On Tuesday, April 28, Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, Collins Adomako Mensah, emphasized that the sector’s problems go beyond technical issues and are fundamentally tied to financial woes.

“We also know that the problems of the sector are not only technical; they are financial,” he stated.

Despite assurances from Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson that debts to IPPs had been cleared, data available to the Minority tell a different story—one of substantial unpaid debts.

“The data available to us shows the government owes IPPs over $500 million and more than $200 million to fuel supply companies,” he disclosed.

These figures cast doubt on earlier claims of improved financial health within the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the broader energy sector. In light of this, the Minority has called on the government to clarify the true financial state of the sector, especially after the introduction of the so-called ‘Dumsor levy’—the Energy Sector Levy.

“We are demanding that the Minister for Energy and the Minister for Finance quickly present to Parliament and publish a comprehensive, independent report on the one Ghana cedi Dumsor levy,” he urged.

This report he added should detail all collections, disbursements, and the outcomes of every expenditure so far.”

Responding to the claims, Mr. Bentil described the allegations as baseless and challenged individuals making such assertions to present credible evidence to the public.

“I am not involved in illegal mining. Anyone with evidence to the contrary should come forward and make it public,” he stated.

The lawmaker noted that Mpohor has historically been a mining enclave, with the sector serving as a major source of livelihood for many residents. He added that proceeds from mining activities over the years have supported several individuals in the area to pursue their education and improve their living conditions.

Mr. Bentil, however, acknowledged that he has operated as a licensed gold buyer for several years, stressing that the business is legal and conducted within the framework of the law.

His remarks come at a time of heightened national attention on illegal mining and its impact on the environment, particularly water bodies and farmlands.

He further urged the public to be guided by facts and avoid spreading unverified claims, reaffirming his commitment to upholding the law and supporting responsible mining practices.

Leading the list is Felix Akwetey Nii Okle, the MP for Bortianor-Ngleshi Amanfro, who missed an astonishing 23 meetings. He is followed closely by Joseph Frempong from Nkawkaw, who was absent 22 times, and Ernest Yaw Anim from Kumawu, who missed 21 sessions.

Other MPs with high absence rates include Col. Kwadwo Damoah (Rtd.) from Jaman South, who missed 19 meetings; Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister for Finance and MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, who was absent 17 times; and Blay Nyameke Armah from Sekondi, who missed 16 meetings.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister and MP for North Tongu, was absent 15 times. Additionally, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie (Effiduase-Asokore), Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah (Takoradi), and Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng (Obuasi West) each missed 14 meetings.

Other MPs, like Sam Nartey George from Ningo-Prampram, and Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo (Minister for Employment) from Wa Central, along with Francis-Xavier Sosu from Madina, were each absent 13 times.

In response to these high absentee rates, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has instructed officials to improve attendance tracking. He has warned that continued absences could lead to serious consequences, including the possibility of losing their seat in Parliament, according to the rules.

The bill, which was approved on Friday, July 25, addresses long-standing concerns surrounding the underperformance of the existing Road Fund. The new law establishes a dedicated financing mechanism to provide consistent, transparent, and sustainable support for the maintenance and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and related transport infrastructure across Ghana.

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Solving Chronic Underfunding and Governance Challenges

According to government officials, the former system failed to deliver on routine and periodic road maintenance due to outdated institutional frameworks and unreliable disbursement of funds. These inefficiencies led to a decline in road quality, higher vehicle operating costs, and increased road safety risks for commuters and transport operators.

During parliamentary debates, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, highlighted the importance of the new bill.

“This new law provides a reliable, efficient financing framework for road maintenance and ensures that the resources allocated will be used judiciously. It also includes stringent penalties to deter misappropriation and abuse,” he stated.

A New Era of Accountability and Equity

The legislation introduces performance-based financing, promotes greater accountability, and ensures a more equitable distribution of maintenance resources across the national road network. These reforms are expected to streamline operations and improve oversight mechanisms that have previously been susceptible to corruption and inefficiencies.

With the bill now passed, the implementation of the Road Maintenance Trust Fund is scheduled to begin in the next fiscal year. Authorities say this will usher in a new era of disciplined spending and transparent governance aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s transport infrastructure for future generations.

As Ghana continues to pursue its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, the enactment of this bill signifies a critical step toward building a resilient and inclusive road system capable of supporting long-term economic growth.

source: modernghana