The man must explain how one borehole costs GH¢90,000 – Bongo Ideas slams DCE

In an Official Facebook Post on 10 October 2026, social commentator Bongo Ideas expressed outrage over comments reportedly made by the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ajumako, who disclosed before Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee that the cost of constructing a single borehole in the district stands at GH¢90,000. The revelation has triggered widespread public debate, with many questioning how such a basic development project could attract such a hefty price tag.

The matter first came to light when the DCE appeared before the parliamentary committee on October 8, 2026. During the engagement, he reportedly informed members that one borehole in the district costs GH¢90,000. However, when he was pressed to justify the figure, his explanation appeared to leave more questions than answers. He reportedly cited expenses relating to drilling, pumps, and storage tanks, but many observers were not convinced by the reasoning.

Reacting to the disclosure, Bongo Ideas did not hide his disbelief. For him, the figure appeared excessive, particularly in a country where many communities continue to struggle for access to clean drinking water. He argued that the issue goes beyond the cost of a borehole and touches on the broader question of accountability in public administration.

“This man must explain how one borehole costs GH¢90,000,” Bongo Ideas stated, insisting that public officials at every level must be subjected to scrutiny. According to him, conversations about corruption and waste often focus on high-ranking government officials, while district-level authorities escape the same level of examination.

The controversy has reignited public concerns about value for money in government projects. Boreholes are regarded as one of the most cost-effective ways of providing access to safe drinking water, particularly in rural areas. As a result, many Ghanaians are finding it difficult to understand how a single borehole could consume such a large amount of public funds.

For some critics, the issue is not merely about the amount involved but about transparency. They argue that if the cost is indeed legitimate, then authorities should be able to provide a detailed breakdown to justify every cedi spent. Without such explanations, suspicions of inflated contracts and procurement irregularities are likely to persist.

Bongo Ideas also pointed out that local government officials control significant resources and oversee numerous development projects. In his view, the fight against corruption cannot be restricted to ministers and chief executives in Accra while district-level spending escapes serious examination. He maintained that accountability must apply equally at every level of government.

The debate comes at a time when citizens are increasingly demanding transparency in the management of public funds. Rising economic pressures have made Ghanaians more sensitive to reports of questionable expenditure, particularly when basic services such as water, roads, healthcare, and education remain inadequate in many communities.

As discussions continue, the demand for answers is growing louder. Whether the GH¢90,000 figure can be fully justified remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the disclosure has put the spotlight firmly on district-level spending and the need for greater accountability.

Source: Bongo Ideas, Official Facebook Post, 10 October, 2026.