Minority accuses gov't of diverting $600m drainage funds

The government of Ghana failed to construct drainage facilities in the capital, Accra, even though it secured an over $600 million loan facility for that purpose in 2012, documents available to Starr News suggest.

The loan which was duly approved by parliament was secured from the Export Import Bank in the USA and the Standard Chartered Bank.

Some of the flood prone areas which were earmarked to benefit from the facility included, Osu Clottey, Kyemu, Odaw, Labadi and Teshie areas.

The revelation comes on the back of Wednesday’s flood and fire disasters that have wreaked havoc in Accra.

About 150 people have been confirmed dead following an explosion at a GOIL fuel station after several hours of a heavy downpour which also flooded the capital Wednesday evening.

President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning for the victims beginning Monday. The Ghana national flag will fly at half-mast during the mourning period.

Starr News’ parliamentary correspondent Kobby Mensah Gomez reports that some minority MPs are angry at the government’s decision to misapply the loan.

Gomez noted that the minority are likely to call for a probe into how the monies were used.