Former MP for Sekondi, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has rejected claims that some road contracts lacked dedicated funding, insisting that all such projects are ultimately financed through government revenue.
According to him, the narrative that previous contracts were awarded without funding is misleading and intended to confuse the public.
“Let’s not confuse the public. This is all Government of Ghana money.”
Speaking on the KeyPoints with Alfred Ocansey on March 28, he explained that governments operate annual budgets based on projected revenue, and infrastructure projects like roads are financed from those resources, sometimes supported by borrowing.
“Government runs a revenue and expenditure budget every year. It is that revenue that is used to pay for roads.”
Mr. Mercer argued that even funding sources presented as “dedicated” are still derived from public funds and subject to government allocation decisions.
“What you call dedicated funding, look at it carefully. Over 50 percent is coming from the government budget.”
He further questioned the basis for introducing new contractual arrangements such as novation agreements, asking the current administration to make such documents public.
“Put those documents out for us to see. That’s all we are asking for.”
The former legislator maintained that contracts signed under previous administrations remain binding and should simply be honoured through payment of outstanding obligations.
“These are contracts between the Government of Ghana and contractors. When a new government comes, it must pay and continue,” he stated.
By Christabel Success Treve
