NPP Minority Disputes 1D1F Audit (Says Report Misrepresents Loan, Subsidy Arrangements)
The Minority Caucus of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament has questioned parts of a Special Audit Report by the Auditor-General on the One District One Factory (1D1F) program, saying that some of the claims are wrong and not backed up by evidence. On March 19, the Caucus put out a statement saying that they still support accountability, but they said that the report got the program’s financial arrangements wrong, especially the interest subsidies that participating financial institutions give to lower high lending rates. It said that delays in the release of subsidy funds affected the disbursement of loans, which is why some companies had no outstanding loans. The Minority disagreed with claims that some transactions were fake or meant to steal money, saying that all steps were taken according to legal financial management rules. It has asked for a review of the report, including taking back claims that are in dispute, and has urged auditors and implementing agencies to work together more closely to make sure the information is correct. It has also warned against politicizing oversight of development projects.
