Minority files petition against Wa West DCE for allegedly misappropriating GH¢400k DRIP funds

Wa West, Ghana - November 1, 2024 - A scandal is brewing in Wa West, Ghana, as the Minority caucus in Parliament petitions the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to investigate alleged misappropriation of resources within the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) project.

At the center of the controversy is District Chief Executive Vida Dioretey, accused of transferring project resources, including equipment and GH¢400,000 maintenance fund, to the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) parliamentary candidate.

The Minority caucus claims this action constitutes a clear misuse of public resources for partisan advantage, sparking public outcry and concerns about local governance integrity.

Ranking Member Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye condemned the alleged actions, emphasizing the need for swift OSP action to restore faith in the system and calling for sanctions against Dioretey.

“The NPP PC, what right has she got? Is the NPP PC a member of parliament? Is he the District Chief Executive? We are protesting about this and we have already petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor that that woman should be investigated and immediately punished for what she has done.

“The total amount of money is almost about GH¢400,000 which is going to every district assembly for the management of the DRIP and I don’t know why that woman will hand over the money and the machines to the PC who is contesting elections and who has nothing to do with these machines. When there is a sitting Member of Parliament, who sat in Parliament and approved this in the first place.”

Allegations Breakdown

- Equipment and Funds Diversion: Dioretey allegedly handed over DRIP project machinery and GH¢400,000 maintenance fund to the NPP's parliamentary candidate.
- Lack of Formal Connection: The parliamentary candidate has no formal connection to the district assembly's operations or sanctioned use of these resources.
- Misuse of Public Resources: The Minority caucus contends that resources should not be diverted to individuals running for political office, especially without formal administrative or elected roles.

DRIP Project Purpose

Launched by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the DRIP project aims to address pressing infrastructural needs in district road networks, enhancing road accessibility, maintaining crucial transport routes, and supporting rural development.

The Minority caucus's petition seeks to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public resources. As the investigation unfolds, Ghanaians watch closely, hoping for a resolution that upholds the integrity of local governance.

Source: Lead News Online