A group of assembly members from the Ellembelle District Assembly, known as the Concerned Ellembelle Assembly Members, are urging the Auditor General to investigate District Chief Executive (DCE) Kwesi Bonzoh, the District Finance Officer, and the former Coordinating Director for alleged abuse of office and financial improprieties.
The group, representing the assembly members of Ellembelle in Ghana’s Western Region, claims that these officials have mismanaged assembly funds and disregarded legal requirements meant to ensure transparent governance.
During a press conference, Paul Kodwo Kwaw, spokesperson for the Concerned Ellembelle Assembly Members and Kikam Assembly Member, outlined the allegations against the DCE and his team. He alleged that the officials had been spending the assembly’s revenue without obtaining the necessary approvals from the General Assembly, which he contended constitutes a breach of Ghana’s Local Government Act, 2016 (Act 936), specifically section 117, sub-section 1.
Kwaw’s statement emphasized the need for accountability, saying, “The abuse of office and disregard for the standing orders in the Local Government Act of 2016, Act 936, which regulates how the Assembly is managed, coupled with the disregard for financial regulations enacted by Parliament, are being led by the DCE of Ellembelle, Kwesi Bonzoh.” According to Kwaw, the DCE has been using the assembly’s resources for what he describes as “personal political ambitions” disguised as community engagement efforts, thus potentially undermining the integrity of the Assembly’s governance.
Kwaw and the Concerned Ellembelle Assembly Members have called on the presiding member of the Assembly to promptly establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged misuse of funds. He asserted that only an impartial investigation could reveal the extent of the financial mismanagement and potentially restore trust in the leadership of the assembly.
The Concerned Ellembelle Assembly Members assert that a pattern of behavior has emerged under DCE Kwesi Bonzoh’s leadership, characterized by what they describe as “misuse of assembly logistics and revenue.” They argue that such actions, if confirmed, would represent a significant breach of the assembly’s mandate and responsibility to the public, and they call for full transparency in the investigation process.
Kwaw elaborated that the group is not merely raising concerns over minor issues, but rather, they are highlighting what they believe to be substantial and troubling breaches of the Local Government Act. According to Act 936, assembly members and officials are expected to manage public funds responsibly, with full accountability to both the assembly and the local community. Failure to adhere to these guidelines, the Concerned Ellembelle Assembly Members argue, undermines the democratic principles underpinning local governance.
The spokesperson emphasized that without proper oversight, assembly members and officials may feel emboldened to disregard the laws meant to protect public resources. He stated, “We call on the presiding member to institute a commission of inquiry to investigate the spending of the revenue received in January 2024 to date by Kwesi Bonzoh, the District Finance Officer, and the former Coordinating Director.”
Kwaw and his colleagues believe that a formal investigation led by the Auditor General would bring the necessary transparency and accountability to the district’s finances, especially concerning revenue generated in the first part of 2024. The group’s appeal comes amid broader concerns in Ghana about the responsible use of public funds, particularly at the local government level, where communities often depend on assemblies to deliver essential services and infrastructure improvements.
The Concerned Ellembelle Assembly Members argue that if left unchecked, financial mismanagement could significantly impact the region’s development. Ellembelle, like many districts in Ghana, relies heavily on the effective management of public funds to carry out local development initiatives. Any diversion of resources toward personal or unauthorized expenditures, as alleged by Kwaw and his group, could delay or jeopardize projects critical to the wellbeing of the community.
Kwaw also warned that similar incidents of mismanagement could arise in other parts of the country if there is no accountability. He noted that when local governments operate without oversight, the risk of abuse increases, potentially eroding public trust. To prevent further damage to the Assembly’s reputation, Kwaw urged the presiding member and all relevant authorities to act swiftly in launching an inquiry.
The Concerned Ellembelle Assembly Members maintain that their call for an investigation is not politically motivated. Rather, they claim to be advocating for the proper administration of the district’s finances in accordance with Ghanaian law. By pushing for an audit and a transparent investigation, they believe that they are standing up for the principles of accountability and good governance, which are essential for the trust of the communities they serve.
While the group acknowledges that political differences may exist within the assembly, Kwaw stressed that these allegations go beyond political disagreements and are about safeguarding the assembly’s integrity. “This is not about political rivalry or scoring points,” he said. “We are concerned with the governance of our district and ensuring that the resources meant for our community are used appropriately.”
The Concerned Ellembelle Assembly Members have pledged to continue advocating for transparent governance in their district. They are hopeful that a thorough investigation will not only clarify any alleged wrongdoing but will also serve as a reminder to other assemblies across the country of the importance of adhering to legal and ethical standards in public office.
As the Ellembelle community awaits a response from the Auditor General and the presiding member, the Concerned Ellembelle Assembly Members continue to stand firm in their call for accountability. They believe that only through proper investigation and adherence to the rule of law can the Assembly regain the trust of the people it serves and ensure the fair and effective use of public funds.
