The GETFund Administrator, Dr Richard Ampofo Boadu says a total of over 9,446 projects had been initiated by GETFund since its operationalization in the year 2001.
He added that out of the over 9,446, a total of 5,837 projects have been completed while 3609 are ongoing, which are at various stages of completion.
According to the Administrator, this total GETFund project portfolio was uncovered after the Board of Trustees ordered for an infrastructure audit of the entirety of projects funded with the proceeds of the Fund in 2017. The Infrastructure Audit Report for the first time in the history of the Fund provided basic scientific data on all projects with their GPS locations plus their associated contract details.
Dr Boadu listed some of the landmark projects financed by the Fund as; the Academy of Arts and Sciences, Accra, Koforidua Technical University, University Professional Studies, the Law Faculty, University of Ghana, the E Blocks, the Model Schools, University of Ghana Sports Stadium, vehicle and furniture supplies to schools and agencies under the Ministry of Education among others.
“The Board of Trustees and Management of the Fund have been prudent in managing the finances of the Fund thus far leading to improved access and retention across all levels of education entry and the enormous contributions to the delivery of quality education in the country”, Dr Boadu said.
Dr Richard Boadu reported that a total of 2259 projects have been initiated and completed from 2017 to date. These projects include 1,340 legacy projects his administration inherited in 2017, whereas the 915 are new projects his administration initiated and are completed.
These project completion statistics since the assumption of responsibilities of the current administration refute the perception that inherited projects have been abandoned at the expense of new projects. “Such narrative is completely erroneous and misleading”, the Administrator asserted.
“Delays in payments to contractors who have presented certified payment certificates are the major challenge to the operations of the Fund”. This challenge emanates from the non-timely releases of due receivables out of the 2.5 percent GETFund Levy”, Administrator expressed.