Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has filed a Right to Information (RTI) request with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to obtain detailed information about the use of GH¢3.6 million and its dealings with Fidelity Bank Ghana.
He aims to bring transparency to what he perceives as a lack of clarity in the interactions between the bank and KMA.
In a tweet, Simons mentioned his request to KMA for complete disclosure of all transactions with the bank. He believes that the current stance of the institution indicates potential financial impropriety, highlighting the necessity for full transparency.
“Having followed the confusing back & forth between Fidelity Bank Ghana & the KMA, we have sent an RTI request to the KMA to disclose all its transactions with the bank.
There is a murkiness about what is going on that raises concerns about financial propriety. Full transparency is needed,” he tweeted on May 14, 2024.
The issue stems from a GH¢8 million loan obtained from Fidelity Bank for the redevelopment of the KMA-Krofrom Market Project. Reports indicate that only GH¢5 million was utilized for project execution, leaving GH¢3.6 million unaccounted for.
However, Fidelity Bank has refuted any wrongdoing, clarifying that the entire GH¢8.6 million disbursed for Phase 1 of the project comprised GH¢4 million from Fidelity Bank’s approved facility and KMA’s own funds of GH¢4.6 million.
Bright Simons’ RTI request aims to gain comprehensive insight into the arrangements between Fidelity Bank and KMA, aiding in factual analysis and pursuit of public interest objectives.
His legal representatives stress the imperative of complete disclosure, citing statutory and public policy considerations.
This situation underscores concerns regarding financial integrity, prompting the RTI request to illuminate the transactions and ensure transparency and accountability in public fund utilization.
It is anticipated that both KMA and Fidelity Bank will fully cooperate to address the matter and provide requisite information to the public.