Accra–Kumasi Expressway: Finance Ministry Responds to PIAC Over Missing ABFA Utilisation Data

Ghana’s Ministry of Finance has dismissed allegations that it withheld information on the utilisation of the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) from the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC).

In a statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, the Ministry said it had supplied PIAC with data on petroleum revenue receipts and distributions, alongside explanations of the arrangements for utilising ABFA funds, including resources earmarked for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway.

The clarification follows concerns raised by PIAC in a statement dated October 21 over the omission of ABFA utilisation data from its 2026 Semi-Annual Report.

The Ministry maintained that the absence of the information from the report should not be interpreted as evidence that it failed to provide the necessary details to the Committee.

According to the Ministry, its officials took part in PIAC’s virtual validation workshop and attended face-to-face meetings with the Committee to explain petroleum revenue receipts, their distribution and the framework governing the use of ABFA funds.

Regarding the Accra–Kumasi Expressway, the Ministry referred to paragraph 572 of the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review, which indicates that all funds allocated to the project, including the total ABFA realised in 2026, have been ring-fenced.

The resources are expected to finance construction once the contract is awarded.

The Ministry explained that the decision was informed by PIAC’s recommendation against distributing petroleum revenues across numerous projects that deliver limited economic benefits.

It said concentrating the funds on the expressway would support a major infrastructure project with significant national benefits while ensuring better value for money.

The Ministry also dismissed concerns that the decision had deprived District Assemblies of their allocated share of ABFA resources.

It explained that the five per cent allocation due to the District Assemblies Common Fund was being paid through the Consolidated Fund, an arrangement it said had already been communicated to PIAC.

The Ministry stressed that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies had not lost their entitlements as a result of the decision to reserve ABFA funds for the expressway.

It further reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of petroleum revenues, pledging to continue providing PIAC with the information needed to carry out its oversight responsibilities.

The Ministry added that details on petroleum revenue management and utilisation would remain accessible through official publications, including the Annual Report on Petroleum Funds, Petroleum Reconciliation Reports, Budget Statements and other fiscal reports.

Source: https://www.citinewsroom.com/2026/10/finance-ministry-rejects-claims-it-withheld-abfa-data-from-piac/

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