Ministry of Finance, AfDB strengthen institutional capacity for effective project delivery
Story by: Regina Bless
The Ministry of Finance has participated in a three-day Institutional Capacity Building and Fiduciary Clinic organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to strengthen the capacity of institutions responsible for implementing AfDB-financed projects in Ghana.
The initiative is aimed at improving project delivery by equipping project teams and implementing institutions with the skills and systems required to manage development projects effectively, transparently and efficiently.
The AfDB currently supports Ghana through 20 ongoing operations valued at approximately US$672 million, covering several critical sectors of the economy.
Agriculture accounts for about US$161.3 million, representing 24 percent of the financing, while transport receives approximately US$147.8 million, or 22 percent. Social interventions account for about US$100.8 million, representing 15 percent, while multi-sector and governance programmes receive approximately US$94.1 million, or 14 percent.
Other areas supported by the Bank include power, with about US$80.6 million (12 percent); water and sanitation, approximately US$47 million (7 percent); and finance, about US$40.3 million (6 percent).
Focus on Stronger Project Management
Speaking at the clinic, Director of the External Resource Mobilisation Division (ERM) of the Ministry of Finance, Mr Isaac Fraikue, stressed that effective project implementation requires more than access to financial resources.
He highlighted the importance of strong institutional capacity, sound procurement practices and effective financial management in ensuring that development projects achieve their intended objectives.
Mr Fraikue noted that robust fiduciary systems are critical to promoting value for money, transparency and accountability. He also cautioned that delays in procurement, processing and disbursement could slow project implementation and postpone the delivery of intended benefits to citizens.
He expressed appreciation to the AfDB for its continued partnership and support for Ghana’s development agenda and encouraged participants to use the clinic to identify practical challenges affecting project implementation.
He further urged participants to share experiences and develop solutions to implementation challenges before they negatively affect the delivery of projects.
AfDB Reaffirms Support to Ghana
The AfDB Country Manager to Ghana, Halima Hisha, highlighted the Bank’s support through its 20 ongoing operations in the country.
She explained that the clinic was designed to strengthen the capacity of project teams in key areas, including procurement, financial management, environmental and social safeguards, monitoring and evaluation, gender considerations and climate-related issues.
The three-day programme brought together representatives from sector ministries, Project Implementation Units and other key stakeholders involved in the implementation of AfDB-supported programmes.
The initiative underscores the importance of strengthening Ghana’s institutional systems so that development financing can be translated into timely and sustainable projects that deliver tangible benefits to citizens.