CEMSE appeals to government to reconsider funding cuts to PIAC

The Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE) wants the government to reconsider its decision and allocate adequate funding to support the effective operations of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC).

PIAC recently expressed concern over the government’s plan to channel a greater share of oil revenue into the “Big Push” infrastructure projects.

The Committee warned that diverting resources from the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) to large-scale infrastructure initiatives could undermine future investments in Ghana’s petroleum sector — particularly at a time when oil production is already in decline.

Speaking to Citi Business News, the Executive Director of CEMSE, Benjamin Nsiah, called on the government to ensure that PIAC receives sufficient resources to carry out its oversight functions effectively.

“Such huge cuts to PIAC’s budget — which will certainly affect its expenditure and operations — suggest a government that may be shielding itself from responsibility, accountability, and transparency,” Mr. Nsiah said.

“PIAC was established by law to monitor the effective use of petroleum revenue, and it has diligently fulfilled this role over the years.”

He emphasized that with several petroleum-funded projects still uncompleted under the ABFA, PIAC requires even more financial support this year to properly monitor and report on both ongoing and historical projects.

“If government cuts their budget, it sends a signal that there is no willingness to allow PIAC to scrutinize how petroleum funds are being utilized. This will negatively impact the efficient and transparent implementation of petroleum revenues and infrastructure development,” he added.

Mr. Nsiah further warned that underfunding PIAC could result in abandoned infrastructure projects and reduced transparency in the management of petroleum revenues.

“We should not allow historical projects to be left to decay. Adequate funding for PIAC is essential to track these projects and ensure transparency in their execution,” he said.

“Government must reconsider its decision and provide the necessary resources for PIAC to operate effectively and report to Ghanaians on how petroleum revenues are being used efficiently and responsibly.”