Outrage as Energy Ministry spends GHS5, 584,508 on luxury cars
There has been widespread outrage among the public after it emerged that the Ministry of Energy spent GHS5, 584,508 on 38 luxury vehicles.
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This was revealed in an audit report presented to Parliament Tuesday.
The vehicles were bought from a budget meant for extending electricity to 1,200 communities under the Multi-Donor Budgetary Support Programme between 2010 and 2012, the report noted.
According to report , which was presented by the Auditor-General, Mr Richard Quartey, the ministry also bought two heavy duty photocopiers for $33,226.40 (GHS106,324), four desktop computers with accessories for $10,522.28(GHS33,670), and three laptop computers with accessories for $8,008.71 (GHS25,627.87).
The report said: “The vehicles and office equipment were supplied by Weldy Lamont (contractor for the project) as part of the material supplied for the project. The Director of power explained the acquisition of the vehicles and office equipment was for capacity building to enhance the service delivery of the Ministry. The audit team found no budget for purchase of vehicles and office equipment in the details of the contract.
“The process for the Ministry to acquire assets to enhance its service delivery is through the annual budget process. The Budget Committee of the Ministry prepares the expenditure estimates by costing programmes and projects, taking into consideration the ceilings set in the Budget Circular.
“This is followed by the budget hearing scheduled by MoF where the Ministry defends the budget's contribution to the economic growth of Ghana.
“The Ministry also appears before the Parliamentary Select Committee of Mines and Energy to justify items in the budget.
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“In the procurement of vehicles and office equipment under the Weldy Lamont contract, the decision to purchase did not go through this stringent process that guarantees prudent spending. Although Parliament gave approval to the turnkey arrangement, through a resolution, the vehicles and office equipment were not in the proposal which was sent to Parliament for approval”.
Members of the public, who appeared angry and disappointed, described the spending as “criminal” and “insensitive”.