The Wa West District in Ghana’s Upper West Region has been thrust into the spotlight amid allegations of gross misappropriation of resources within the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) project.
At the center of the controversy is the District Chief Executive (DCE), Vida Dioretey, who stands accused of transferring project resources, including equipment and a substantial maintenance fund, to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate in the district.
Allegations of Misuse of Public Resources
The Minority caucus in Parliament has petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds.
According to the caucus, the DCE’s actions constitute a clear misuse of public resources for partisan advantage, sparking public outcry and serious concerns about the integrity of local governance.
The Accusations
Specifically, it is alleged that Vida Dioretey handed over DRIP project machinery and a GH¢400,000 maintenance fund to the NPP’s parliamentary candidate, who has no formal connection to the district assembly’s operations or its sanctioned use of these resources .
This has raised questions about the legitimacy of the transfer and the potential for conflicts of interest.
Call for Accountability
The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has expressed strong condemnation of the alleged actions.
He emphasized the necessity for swift and decisive action from the OSP to restore faith in the system, calling for sanctions against the DCE.
The DRIP Project’s Purpose
The DRIP project was initiated to address pressing infrastructural needs in district road networks, aiming to enhance road accessibility, maintain crucial transport routes, and support rural development.
However, the Minority caucus contends that resources should not be diverted to individuals running for political office, especially those with no formal administrative or elected role in the local government structure.
Next Steps
As the investigation unfolds, the people of Wa West District await answers and accountability. The outcome will have significant implications for the integrity of local governance and the use of public resources in Ghana.
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