The World Bank country office in Ghana has refuted reports that the international organization has suspended two USD$ 200 million projects in the country over ‘inappropriate’ dismissal of public servants.
On Wednesday, April 2, The High Street Journal reported that the World Bank suspended Ghana Digital Acceleration and Tree Crops Diversification projects due to the dismissal of some important public servants by the ruling government. Each of these projects, according to the publication, weigh US$ 200 million.
“Two major World Bank-funded projects, a $200 million Tree Crops Diversification Project and another $200 million Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP), have been suspended following the dismissal of key personnel by the new government. The terminations, carried out without adherence to World Bank protocols, have raised concerns about the future of these initiatives.
“The Tree Crops Diversification Project aims to enhance economic, climate, and social resilience in the cocoa, coconut, cashew, and rubber value chains. The GDAP initiative, on the other hand, is designed to expand broadband access, improve digital public services, and strengthen Ghana’s digital innovation ecosystem to drive job creation and economic growth,” part of the reports read.
However, when contacted by Awake News via email, the World Bank said the report is untrue, and that no ongoing World Bank-financed projects in the country have been suspended.
“No projects in the World Bank financed portfolio in Ghana are currently suspended.” the organization responded.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Communication and Digitalization, Samuel Nartey George, has also reacted to the report, saying “… The World Bank has NOT withdrawn any funds for the GDAP program.”
