Bats force abandonment of petroleum-funded classroom block as PIAC flags stalled projects

A newly completed three-unit classroom block constructed for Kamalo D/A Junior High School in the Kwahu Afram Plains North District of the Eastern Region has been abandoned following an invasion of bats, raising concerns about infrastructure planning and the effective use of public resources.

The Public Interest Accountability Committee (PIAC) disclosed this during an inspection of petroleum revenue-funded projects across the Eastern Region.

According to the Committee, the school is also facing a severe shortage of teachers, with only two educators responsible for teaching both primary and junior high school pupils. The situation has forced the school to operate combined classes, placing additional pressure on both teachers and students.

PIAC's findings highlight the challenges confronting education delivery in some rural communities despite investments aimed at improving learning infrastructure.

Beyond the situation at Kamalo, the Committee inspected several other projects funded through petroleum revenues and reported mixed outcomes regarding their implementation and sustainability.

At Kubease and Bodua, PIAC inspected completed boreholes fitted with hand pumps and observed that the facilities were functioning effectively, providing reliable access to clean water for residents of the beneficiary communities.

However, at Maame Krobo, the Committee found that a community-based mechanised solar-powered water system, although fully completed, had broken down and was not operational at the time of the visit.

The Committee noted that the non-functional state of the facility had deprived residents of the intended benefits of the project and underscored the need for effective maintenance mechanisms to ensure long-term sustainability.

PIAC also visited sections of the Maame Krobo Regional Boundary Road where pothole patching works had been carried out. During the inspection, the Committee observed signs of deterioration on portions of the repaired road, raising concerns about the durability and quality of the rehabilitation works.

“PIAC was informed that arrangements were underway for a contractor to commence additional rehabilitation works on the road,” the Committee stated.

In the agricultural sector, PIAC inspected ongoing construction works on irrigation facilities at the Afram Plains Agricultural Zone, also known as the Konadu Enclaves. The Committee reported that work was progressing steadily, with completion expected by October 2026.

The irrigation infrastructure is expected to enhance agricultural productivity in the area and will reportedly be leased to commercial farmers upon completion to support large-scale farming activities and boost food production.

Meanwhile, at Tease, PIAC inspected the Agenda 111 hospital project and observed that construction had stalled. The site was found to be abandoned, adding to concerns about delays affecting the government's flagship healthcare infrastructure programme.

The Committee's inspection exercise forms part of its efforts to promote transparency, accountability and value for money in the implementation of projects funded through Ghana’s petroleum revenues.

PIAC's observations are expected to inform future recommendations aimed at improving project execution, maintenance and service delivery to ensure that investments made with public funds achieve their intended developmental impact