Finance Ministry to account for DBOC’s allowances
Allowances of District Budget Oversight Committee members over the years 2009 to 2011 have not been paid by the Ministry of Finance and Development at all.
In 2010, the last quarter allowances of committee members were not paid at all by the Finance Ministry and no reason leading to failure of payment was given though.
The District Budget Oversight Committee was established by an act Parliament in 2005 by the former SLPP regime.
The formation of the District Budget Oversight Committee was intended to monitor all government development projects for which funds are allocated from the consolidation fund.
Contracts awarded to individual firms or persons should be monitored by members of the Districts/Chiefdoms at respective localities.
Membership of the District Budget Oversight Committee is drawn from 149 Chiefdoms across the country; one from each Chiefdom including the Western area.
The choice of membership per Chiefdom was community based and comprises of Paramount Chiefs, Chiefdom Councilors and other prominent personalities cut across. Integrity, notability, courage and honesty formed an integral part in the appointment of individuals.
At its inauguration in 2005, there was an aggressive competitiveness from among membership of the District Budget Oversight Committee, which practically helped comb out corruption and substandard contracts.
Regular workshops were conducted with timely payment of their allowances from 2005 to 2008.
Through their findings, dishonest contractors were bench listed for their poor performances.
And all reports about their findings were sent to the Ministry of Finance for prompt action.
The negligence on the part of government has created lethargy from among members of the District Budget Oversight Committee.
It is but compelling that government contracts have been woefully handled because of poor monitoring.
By Felix. D. Fofoh
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2011, https:. All rights reserved.
