The Country Director of the World Bank in Ghana, Pierre Frank Laporte, has stated that the bank does not believe the funds it provided to the Ghanaian government, amounting to over $430 million, were misappropriated in the fight against COVID-19.Laporte clarified that the funds provided by the World Bank were managed by a joint project team consisting of World Bank officials and government representatives.

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He further emphasized that these funds were separate from the Ghanaian government's budget.During an interview with TV3, Laporte highlighted that the dedicated team overseeing the funds ensured their appropriate utilization for their intended purposes. Payments were made directly to contractors, ensuring transparency and accountability in the disbursement process."We have given $430 million to Ghana for Covid.

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Our project funds have not gone to the budget of the Ministry of Finance, and because of this, we've mechanisms in place that ensure we know each and every dollar that is spent and accounted and we've done audits."Of course, there are always a few things here and, procedure-wise, maybe some documentation that needs to be followed.

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"But largely speaking, we are very satisfied that all of our resources were spent in line with the procurement requirements that existed. You know, COVID-19 was implemented under emergency procurement measures by the bank," he said.The director said that the money given to the government of Ghana is still being used, adding that the bank was working to make more funds available.

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In his most recent address to the nation, President Akufo-Addo for the umpteenth time shot down claims that government leveraged of COVID-19 to undertake corrupt activities.

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