The Ministry of Finance has emphasized the need for stronger institutional capacity and fiduciary systems to ensure effective implementation of African Development Bank (AfDB)-financed projects in Ghana. This call was made at a three-day Institutional Capacity Building and Fiduciary Clinic organised by the AfDB in Accra. The clinic aimed to strengthen the capacity of institutions implementing AfDB projects.
Mr Isaac Fraikue, Director of the External Resource Mobilisation Division of the Ministry of Finance, noted that effective project implementation required more than financial resources. He stressed that strong institutional capacity, sound procurement practices, and effective financial management were essential to achieving project objectives.
Mr Fraikue also highlighted the importance of robust fiduciary systems in ensuring value for money, transparency, and accountability. He warned that delays in procurement, processing, and disbursement could slow the delivery of project benefits to citizens. The AfDB currently supports Ghana through 20 ongoing operations valued at approximately US$672 million.
The financing covers key sectors, including agriculture, which accounts for about US$161.3 million, representing 24 per cent; transport, US$147.8 million (22 per cent); social interventions, US$100.8 million (15 per cent); and multi-sector and governance programmes, US$94.1 million (14 per cent). Other areas include power, with about US$80.6 million (12 per cent); water and sanitation, US$47 million (seven per cent); and finance, US$40.3 million (six per cent).
Mr Fraikue expressed appreciation to the AfDB for its continued partnership and support for Ghana’s development agenda. He encouraged participants to use the clinic to examine practical challenges affecting project implementation, share experiences, and identify solutions before such challenges adversely affected projects.
Madam Halima Hisha, AfDB Country Manager for Ghana, said the Bank’s support to the country covered 20 ongoing operations. She stated that the clinic was aimed at strengthening the capacity of project teams in procurement, financial management, environmental and social safeguards, monitoring and evaluation, gender, and climate issues.
The clinic brought together representatives from sector ministries, Project Implementation Units, and other key stakeholders. The Ministry of Finance and AfDB are working together to ensure that Ghana maximizes the benefits of AfDB-financed projects.
Key points
- The AfDB supports Ghana through 20 ongoing operations valued at approximately US$672 million.
- Strong institutional capacity, sound procurement practices, and effective financial management are essential to achieving project objectives.
- The clinic aims to strengthen the capacity of project teams in procurement, financial management, and environmental and social safeguards.
