Former Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, Daniel Kwesi Asiamah, has raised serious concerns about the government’s financial accountability, questioning the whereabouts of ₵52.5 billion allegedly transferred to an unknown account. Asiamah’s remarks, delivered during a press conference today, have intensified scrutiny over the government’s handling of public funds.
“Does it make sense for a government in control of our coffers to tell us that ₵52.5 billion transferred to an unknown account is still unaccounted for?” Asiamah asked. “This is a significant amount of money, and the lack of transparency is deeply troubling.”
Asiamah, a prominent figure in the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the missing funds. He criticized the government’s explanation as insufficient and demanded accountability from those responsible.
“The people of Ghana deserve to know where their money has gone,” he said. “This is not just about numbers; it’s about trust and responsibility. We cannot allow such a huge sum to disappear without a full and transparent accounting.”
The controversy stems from a recent report by the Auditor-General, which highlighted discrepancies in the government’s financial records, including the transfer of ₵52.5 billion to an unidentified account. The report has sparked widespread concern and calls for greater fiscal transparency.
In response to Ashiamah’s accusations, government spokespersons have assured the public that steps are being taken to address the issue. Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta emphasized the government’s commitment to financial integrity and accountability.
“We are taking these allegations seriously and have initiated a comprehensive audit to trace the funds and address any irregularities,” Ofori-Atta said. “The government is committed to transparency, and we will ensure that the truth comes to light.”
Despite these assurances, critics remain skeptical. Civil society organizations and financial watchdogs have joined the call for a more detailed explanation and concrete actions to recover the unaccounted funds.
“This situation is alarming and undermines public confidence in our financial institutions,” said Sarah Owusu, a financial analyst with the Ghana Integrity Initiative. “The government must act swiftly to restore trust and demonstrate its commitment to financial transparency.”
The controversy over the missing ₵52.5 billion has added to the growing concerns about financial management and corruption in the country. As the investigation unfolds, the pressure is mounting on the government to provide clear answers and ensure accountability.
“The government must understand that financial accountability is not optional; it is a fundamental duty to the citizens of Ghana,” Asiamah concluded. “We will continue to demand transparency and accountability until the truth is revealed and justice is served.”
The coming weeks are likely to see increased political and public scrutiny as the investigation progresses and the government seeks to address the concerns raised by Asiamah and other stakeholders.
story filed by: Nana kwaku Duah