Dzifa Gomashie Clarifies NLA GH¢90,000 Use: Full Details on Ketu South MP’s Anoenu CHPS Rehabilitation

Introduction

In a clear response to public inquiries, Dzifa Gomashie, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South and Ghana’s Minister for Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts, has firmly stated that she did not spend any portion of the GH¢90,000 provided by the National Lottery Authority (NLA) on personal expenses. This Dzifa Gomashie NLA GH¢90,000 clarification emphasizes full transparency in the use of the funds, which were allocated under the NLA’s Social Corporate Responsibility Fund specifically for community development.

The funds supported the rehabilitation and expansion of the Anoenu Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) facility in Ketu South Constituency, Volta Region. Originally a single-room structure with a basic shed, the facility has been transformed into a well-equipped health center serving local reproductive health needs. This development underscores the role of public officials in leveraging corporate social responsibility initiatives for grassroots healthcare improvements in Ghana.

Understanding such clarifications is essential for grasping public accountability in Ghanaian politics, where MPs often secure funding from state-linked entities like the NLA to address constituency needs. This article breaks down the details, providing an educational overview of the project, its impacts, and broader lessons on transparent fund management.

Analysis

Dzifa Gomashie’s statement, delivered at the Anoenu CHPS premises, directly addresses misconceptions about the GH¢90,000 allocation. She applied for the funds intentionally for the facility’s rehabilitation, ensuring every cedi served the community’s welfare rather than personal interests.

Background on NLA’s Social Corporate Responsibility Fund

The National Lottery Authority (NLA) in Ghana operates a Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR) Fund to support social initiatives, including health, education, and infrastructure. As a statutory body under the Ministry of Finance, the NLA allocates these funds to MPs and local authorities for verifiable projects, promoting corporate contributions to national development goals aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on good health and well-being.

Detailed Breakdown of Fund Utilization

Gomashie detailed the transformations: the facility evolved from a one-room setup inherited from her predecessor into a multi-room health center. Key upgrades included additional rooms for consultations and services, essential medical equipment, supplies like sanitary pads for reproductive health programs, and sanitation infrastructure such as water closets. A borehole with mechanization was installed following advice from the Municipal Assembly Engineer, replacing a planned poly tank to provide reliable potable water. These enhancements make the Anoenu CHPS a full-fledged local health outpost, addressing critical gaps in rural healthcare access.

Context of Ketu South Constituency Needs

Ketu South, in Ghana’s Volta Region, faces typical rural challenges like limited healthcare infrastructure. CHPS compounds, introduced by Ghana Health Service in 1999, are designed as the first point of care in underserved areas, focusing on preventive services, maternal health, and family planning. Gomashie’s initiative aligns with national efforts to strengthen these units, which serve over 3,500-5,000 people per compound as per Ghana Health Service standards.

Summary

Dzifa Gomashie, Ketu South MP, clarified that the entire GH¢90,000 from NLA’s CSR Fund was used exclusively for upgrading the Anoenu CHPS facility. No personal expenditure occurred, with funds directed toward rooms, equipment, sanitary supplies, and a mechanized borehole. This Anoenu CHPS rehabilitation project exemplifies accountable public fund use, enhancing local health services from a basic one-room structure to a comprehensive community health center.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For public officials, constituents, and community leaders seeking similar improvements, here’s pedagogical guidance on utilizing CSR funds like those from NLA transparently and effectively.

Steps for Securing and Managing NLA CSR Funds

1. Application Process: Submit detailed proposals to NLA outlining project needs, budget, and community impact. Include site assessments and endorsements from local assemblies.
2. Project Planning: Consult experts, like municipal engineers, for sustainable solutions (e.g., borehole over poly tank for water security).
3. Implementation: Prioritize verifiable upgrades: structural expansions, equipment procurement from accredited suppliers, and supplies tailored to local needs like reproductive health items.
4. Documentation: Maintain receipts, photos, and progress reports for audits. Engage community stakeholders for oversight.
5. Public Reporting: Host site visits and media briefings, as Gomashie did, to build trust and deter misinformation.

Benefits for Constituents

Communities can advocate by identifying gaps (e.g., CHPS inadequacies) and petitioning MPs. This model promotes self-reliance, reduces urban migration for healthcare, and supports Ghana’s Universal Health Coverage agenda under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Points of Caution

While this case highlights proper use, vigilance is key in public fund management.

• Audit Readiness: All CSR allocations must comply with NLA guidelines and Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) requirements for accountability.
• Misinformation Risks: False claims of personal misuse can erode public trust; officials should proactively communicate via official channels.
• Scope Limitations: Funds are purpose-bound; diversions invite scrutiny from bodies like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
• Sustainability: One-time funds require maintenance plans, such as assembly budgets for ongoing borehole operations.
• Community Involvement: Avoid top-down approaches; involve locals to ensure relevance and prevent underutilization.

Comparison

Comparing the pre- and post-rehabilitation states of Anoenu CHPS illustrates the transformative impact of targeted funding.

Before Rehabilitation

A single-room facility with a front shed, limited to basic services, lacking equipment, sanitation, and reliable water – typical of many rural CHPS compounds struggling with overcrowding and inadequate resources.

After Rehabilitation

Multi-room setup with equipment, sanitary pads stock, water closets, and mechanized borehole. Now equipped for reproductive health needs, serving as a model for scalable improvements in similar Volta Region facilities.

Broader Ghanaian Context

Nationwide, over 4,700 CHPS compounds exist, but many remain under-equipped. Gomashie’s project mirrors successful NLA-funded initiatives elsewhere, like school renovations, showing CSR’s role in bridging infrastructure gaps without taxpayer burden.

Legal Implications

In Ghana, handling public funds like NLA CSR allocations falls under strict regulations. The Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) mandates proper accounting, procurement via the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), and reporting. Misuse constitutes a breach, punishable by fines or imprisonment under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and CHRAJ oversight.

Gomashie’s full utilization and public disclosure align with these laws, reinforcing compliance. No legal violations are indicated; instead, it sets a precedent for transparency. Constituents or watchdogs can request audits via the Auditor-General’s Department for verification.

Conclusion

Dzifa Gomashie’s Ketu South MP NLA GH¢90,000 clarification exemplifies ethical leadership and effective community service. By transforming the Anoenu CHPS facility, she addressed real needs, fostering better health outcomes in a rural setting. This case educates on the power of NLA’s CSR Fund in Ghana’s development landscape, urging all officials to prioritize accountability. As public scrutiny grows, such transparency builds lasting trust and inspires similar projects nationwide.

Key takeaway: Purposeful, documented use of corporate funds drives sustainable progress, benefiting constituents long-term.

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