In the quest to revitalize infrastructure investment in Ghana, Stakeholders’ Roundatable discussion has been organized in Accra.
The stakeholders’ Roundtable discussion organised by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) took stakeholders through some relevant topics.
Some of these relevant topics ate relevance of infrastructure transparency, initiative for disclosure and public participation in public infrastructure procurement in Ghana.
The rest are Industry perspective in improving infrastructure transparency in Ghana as well as what CoST offers: approach, tools and standards with examples from the region and beyond.
Meanwhile, CoST is the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative that works with governments industry and local communities around the world to get better value from public infrastructure investment by increasing transparency and accountability.
Delivering the key note address, the Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, Hon. Eugene Boakye Antwi delivering who spoke on the challenges and opportunities for advancement of performance of infrastructure projects in Ghana indicated that ” it is imperative that we , as a nation, come to grips with our infrastructure funding challenges”.
In Ghana, he noted that, there is a ‘profound disconnect’ in attitudes towards paying for, and using , infrastructure and generally we are not comfortable with the ‘user pays’ concept”.
Therefore outlined some key themes which are termed crucial to the future development of infrastructure in Ghana, which are: better identification of projects, the role of market mechanism such as user-pays in infrastructure, and increased engagement with the private sector in the financing and delivery of infrastructure.
And revealed three main areas when focused on, will provide solutions.
And these are; the need to critically identify the priority infrastructure projects, the need to explore ways to improve the operation of markets across our infrastructure, the need to find ways to encourage the private sector to play a more significant role in helping to meet the challenges.
On his part, the Auditor General Mr. George Yaw Domelevo presenting a paper on the common issues from infrastructure related audits in Ghana indicated that, “there should be the need for self discipline towards government infrastructure, let’s build systems and they will correct our attitudes to national development”.
The Vice Board Chairperson, CoST International Prof. George Ofori who was present also noted that Ghana as a country has taken a good move by adapting ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ agenda, which believes will encourage transparency in national infrastructure investment.
Noting that CoST approach relies on constructive engagement between government, private sector, civil society and citizens our quest to address challenges of the infrastructure sector which will ultimately result in better performance of public funded projects as well as trust and accountability.
Mr. K.H. Osei-Asante, Chartered Quality Surveyor, Chartered Construction Manager, Chartered Arbirstor/AR Expert and Procument Specialist in his presentation on Indusyry Perspective in improving infrastructure transparency in Ghana noted that, “there should be the need for peer-review by stakeholders and as well for harmonizing relationships between clients, consultants, contractors and stakeholders for a better management and achievement a in the industry”.
Story By: Delali Gavor
