The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) has called on relevant authorities to adopt measures that enable market women to better understand how Ghana’s petroleum revenues have been utilised since oil production began in 2010. According to the committee, enhancing the knowledge of women traders is essential for their meaningful participation in national conversations on revenue accountability.
PIAC Chairperson Richard Ellimah made the appeal during an engagement session held last Friday with market women from the Madina Main Market, Adenta Market, and Bohye Market in Accra. The event was designed to explain PIAC’s annual findings, clarify government expenditure of petroleum revenues, and gather feedback from traders.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic after the session, Mr. Ellimah stressed that market women’s perspectives are often absent from national policy discussions. He noted that PIAC has intensified community outreach efforts to ensure inclusivity and to prevent such groups from being sidelined in matters of public interest.
He explained that the session was structured as a safe and open platform for the women to seek clarification and raise concerns about oil-funded development projects.
Promoting Local Accountability
Mr. Ellimah further urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to strengthen public education following recent amendments to the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA), which now allocates a portion of petroleum funds to the District Assemblies Common Fund.
He emphasised that local authorities must clearly communicate how these oil-funded resources are being used within their communities, noting that transparency empowers citizens to question local expenditure and hold officials accountable.
The PIAC Chairperson also revealed plans to extend similar outreach initiatives to other major markets across the country once further support from development partners is secured.
Addressing Communication Gaps
Theresa Ansong, Deputy Market Queen of the Madina Market, highlighted significant information gaps between market women and regulatory institutions. She expressed concerns about the longstanding lack of communication regarding the use of petroleum revenues.
“No one has engaged us to explain how our petroleum revenues have been used,” she stated, adding that traders would welcome simplified presentations that break down complex financial figures into easily understandable formats.
She also called for the use of local dialects to ensure that all women, regardless of educational background, can understand and contribute their views on issues related to petroleum revenue management.
PIAC says it remains committed to strengthening public awareness and ensuring that all citizens, including market women, benefit from Ghana’s national resources through improved transparency and accountability.
Source: Theghanareport
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