PIAC Sounds Alarm: Future in Jeopardy after Government Cuts ABFA Funding

The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) is facing a financial crisis following its removal from the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) — a key source of its operational funding.

The development, according to Executive Secretary Lawyer Isaac Dwamena, threatens the Committee’s ability to fulfill its mandate under the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA).

“The future is bleak for PIAC. We are required by law to conduct at least two public engagements annually. Still, this year we’ve only managed one — and that was sponsored by Good Governance Africa (GGA),” he revealed during a virtual media engagement on the 2025 PIAC Semi-Annual Report held on Friday, October 24.

Mr. Dwamena lamented that the Committee’s financial situation has reached a critical point. “As we speak, PIAC’s account is almost red. If this continues, the very institution mandated to ensure compliance will itself be in breach of the law,” he said.

He criticised the government’s decision to amend the PRMA without consulting key stakeholders such as PIAC. “The PRMA was built on public engagement. It’s disappointing that such a major amendment was made without involving us,” he added.

Despite sending three official requests to the Ministry of Finance for discussions on the matter, Mr. Dwamena noted that PIAC has yet to receive a response.

He further disclosed that PIAC raised the issue directly with President John Dramani Mahama in July, during which the President pledged to intervene. “The President promised to draw the Minister’s attention to the issue, but we are yet to see any action,” he said.

Established under Act 815, PIAC plays a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability in the management of Ghana’s petroleum revenues. Its removal from the ABFA — and transfer to the Consolidated Fund — has sparked fears among civil society organisations that the Committee’s independence and effectiveness could be severely compromised.