Minister Slams Opposition Hypocrite, Reveals Borrowed Bills from Akufo’s Era
By Gifty Boateng
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nipke has quickly put to rest Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s explosive claim of a GHS9.4 million budget overspend by the ministry, revealing the funds were used to service legacy loans contracted under the previous NPP administration.
Afenyo-Markin, the vocal Effutu MP, had charged on Parliament’s floor that the ministry spent above its approved GHS83 million budget without parliamentary sanction, branding it a “huge scandal” and warning that “somebody must go to jail.”
Speaking passionately, he flagged the issue around capital expenditure, highlighting a variance that he insisted was evidence of financial misconduct. “With actual expenditure at GHS92 million against the approved GHS83 million, accountability is necessary. This is serious and cannot be swept under the carpet,” he warned.
However, Savoba MP Nipke swiftly countered these claims at a media briefing, clarifying that the disputed amount was allocated to repay loans taken by the Ghana Maritime Authority in 2021 and 2022 from Ecobank and other financiers, to finalize office blocks in Accra, Tema, and Takoradi.
“The previous government contracted loans for these projects, but repayments were not budgeted. The GMA approached me, and I liaised with the Finance Minister to secure approval for a variance to settle these debts. This is not overspending but completing inherited obligations,” Nipke explained.
Adding to the budget debate, Okaikwei Central MP Patrick Yaw Boamah raised concerns about a proposed increase in airport passenger service charges from GHS5 to up to GHS100 accusing the government of stealthily embedding the hike in official reports.
Nipke clarified that the suggested increase is merely a recommendation subject to parliamentary approval via the Fees and Charges Bill, targeting mainly international flights to boost airport revenue.
“There has been no change in airport charges since 2014. The Ministry seeks to keep Kotoka International Airport competitive as West Africa’s premier gateway by enhancing revenue capacity,” he said.
The clash exposes sharp opposition scrutiny of government spending and highlights inherited fiscal challenges burdening the current administration.