Give PIAC prosecutorial powers- CSO rep

The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) has called for the authority to prosecute individuals involved in the mismanagement of oil revenue funds allocated for development projects. 

The committee currently relies on Parliament for enforcement, a system that has not effectively deterred the misuse of oil revenues.

During a media engagement in Ho, located in the Volta Region, Mr. Richard Ellimah, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Representative on PIAC, emphasized the need for prosecutorial powers for the committee. 

He highlighted instances where development projects intended for specific communities were relocated without PIAC's consent or knowledge and thus expressed concern over the committee's inability to hold accountable those responsible for such decisions due to its lack of legal authority.

Mr. Ellimah also addressed the broader issue of resource management, pointing out that Ghana, despite its long history of mineral extraction, has lacked regulation on the allocation of mining revenues. 

Additionally, he underscored the necessity for more significant, long-term projects funded by oil revenue, criticizing the current approach of fragmenting oil revenue across various funding sources as ineffective. 

On his part, PIAC's Finance Manager Mr. Francis Andah, discussed the committee's recommendations for reforms aimed at enhancing "governance, accountability, and the effectiveness" of petroleum fund management. 

He also noted that PIAC has increased public awareness of its activities and the utilization of petroleum revenues.

Mr. Andah further reported that by the end of 2023, international oil companies (IOCs) operating in the mining sector had cost Ghana $2,738,365.29 due to unpaid surface rentals and highlighted the need for stricter enforcement to ensure that foreign mining companies fulfill their financial obligations before exiting the country.