Franklin Cudjoe, the Founding President and chief executive officer (CEO) of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education has taken to Facebook to call for accountability from the Minister of Communication, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, and the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, who recently faced criticism over unresolved issues regarding telecom revenue. Franklin Cudjoe’s post highlights concerns about the alleged mismanagement of funds related to the Kelni GVG contract, which has reportedly cost the government approximately $126 million (over GHS 2 billion) for services that he claims were never rendered.
In his message, Cudjoe challenged Owusu-Ekuful to provide evidence of any reports indicating that telecom companies had stolen revenues from the state. He pointed out that Kelni GVG, the company contracted to monitor telecom revenues, has been paid nearly $1.5 million monthly since 2018 under a long-term agreement that extends until 2028. This hefty sum raises questions about the effectiveness and transparency of the contract, especially in light of ongoing discussions about revenue assurance in Ghana’s telecommunications sector.
Cudjoe expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of accountability surrounding the Kelni GVG project. He emphasized that instead of making this a spectacle, he seeks straightforward answers on how to recover the funds allegedly wasted on this contract. His remarks reflect broader concerns among citizens regarding government spending and the management of public resources in the face of economic challenges.
The controversy surrounding the Kelni GVG contract is not new; critics have long argued that previous contracts with other firms failed to deliver tangible results. Reports indicate that significant sums have been paid to various companies under similar agreements without any evidence of improved revenue collection or fraud detection. This history raises serious doubts about the government’s ability to manage contracts effectively and protect taxpayer interests.
In light of these issues, Franklin Cudjoe’s call for transparency resonates with many Ghanaians who are increasingly frustrated with perceived government inefficiencies. The demand for clarity on how these funds can be recovered is part of a larger conversation about fiscal responsibility and accountability within Ghana’s public sector.
As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Communication Minister and other officials will respond to Franklin Cudjoe’s demands for answers.
