Volta Regional Minister James Gunu has pledged to strengthen oversight of government projects. He told Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that his ministry will improve monitoring and supervision. This effort aims to ensure projects are finished on time and without problems.
The Minister’s assurance comes amid concerns about delays and mismanagement of public funds. Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) in the Volta Region have faced scrutiny. Mr. Gunu explained that slow administrative actions often cause project delays. He described a 'lazy approach' to project management where issues are not addressed promptly. These delays can create bigger problems for the assemblies.
This commitment to better project management fits into a larger national effort to improve public spending. The government has faced criticism for abandoned projects and inefficient resource allocation. In the past, auditor reports have highlighted irregularities in project execution across various regions. Improved supervision aims to prevent such issues and ensure taxpayer money is used effectively. The Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) chairs these oversight efforts.
Mr. Gunu has direct experience with accountability. He previously served as a District Chief Executive and was commended by the PAC in 2014. He stated, “We need to confront these issues head-on and avoid any lazy approach to project management.” This experience guides his current approach to governance and project delivery.
President John Mahama has also set a clear policy direction. He declared zero tolerance for abandoned government projects. Projects must now have full funding and authorisation before starting. The Ministry of Finance must approve budgets for any new initiative. This directive emphasizes the need for careful planning and resource allocation. Contractors will also face stricter checks on their capacity to deliver projects effectively and on schedule. Mr. Gunu stressed, “He has made it clear that contractors must only undertake projects they have the capacity to deliver effectively and on time.”
Enhanced monitoring and evaluation are key to the VRCC's strategy. Regular site visits and progress checks will become standard. This will help identify potential problems early. It will also ensure that projects meet quality standards. The Minister views monitoring and supervision as a core duty of the VRCC. He is committed to fostering accountability. This move shows the government's focus on improving public sector efficiency.
The new measures aim to curb financial waste and improve public service delivery in the Volta Region. Decision-makers will watch closely for tangible improvements in project completion rates and budget adherence. The strengthening of these processes suggests a potential shift towards more responsible government spending.