The African Development Bank (AfDB) has intensified its commitment to development results in Ghana by launching a thorough performance audit of its $850 million investment portfolio, seeking to address implementation hurdles and accelerate project impact across sectors.
Held in partnership with the Government of Ghana, the Country Portfolio Performance Review (CPPR) brought together key stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of AfDB-funded projects in critical areas such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, sanitation, and institutional reform.
This strategic review wasn’t merely a routine check-up—it was a results-driven exercise aimed at confronting project delays, unlocking value, and aligning development investments more tightly with Ghana’s national priorities.
“The time value of money is real. We must ensure projects spend on time and deliver on time,” said Ms. Eyerusalem Fasika, AfDB Country Director for Ghana. “This joint review is not just about tracking activities, but about delivering transformational outcomes.”
She called on project Steering Committees to show stronger leadership and accountability, stressing that demonstrable results could open the door to increased funding from other development partners.
Targeting Impact, Not Just Inputs
Among the key initiatives reviewed was the Post-COVID-19 Skills Development and Productivity Enhancement Project (PSDPEP)—which includes rehabilitation works at the Ghana News Agency—and major agribusiness investments like the Savanna Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (SADEP) and Savanna Investment Project (SIP).
Also evaluated were major infrastructure programmes such as Phase One of the Eastern Corridor Road, renewable energy efforts through the Mini Grid and Solar PV Net Metering Project, and sanitation-focused initiatives like the Greater Accra Sustainable Sanitation and Livelihoods Improvement Project (GASSLIP).
In the institutional space, the Bank reviewed high-impact programmes such as the AfCFTA Implementation Support Project, the Domestic Resource Mobilisation and Economic Management Initiative, and the Enhancing Ghana as a Regional Financial Hub strategy.
Agriculture Sees Results, But More Work Ahead
Agriculture emerged as a bright spot during the review, with local officials praising the AfDB’s strategic support in Ghana’s northern belt.
Ms. Theresa Fynn, National Project Coordinator for SADEP and SIP, highlighted the transformation taking place in maize, rice, soybean, and poultry production.
“With technical assistance and land development support, commercial agriculture is no longer a dream. We are meeting consumption needs and building resilience,” she noted.
Ghana Pledges Renewed Collaboration
On the government side, officials welcomed the review’s findings and pledged to ramp up support for implementation partners.
Mr. David Klotey Collison, Coordinating Director at the Ministry of Finance, said the government was fully committed to working with the Bank to fast-track delivery.
“We take seriously the lessons and recommendations shared here and will work closely with implementers to address any challenges,” he affirmed.
A Private Sector-Friendly Future
Beyond government and public sector projects, the AfDB reiterated its openness to private sector-led initiatives and co-financing opportunities.
“The Bank is open for business every day,” Ms. Fasika said, stressing that Ghana’s private sector must play a central role in delivering sustainable growth and development.
Toward a Results-Focused Development Partnership
The review reflects a growing trend among development financiers to move beyond funding commitments and toward evidence-based, impact-driven delivery.
With clear goals to boost industrialization, regional integration, and economic resilience, the AfDB’s deep dive into its Ghana operations signals a serious push to ensure that every dollar spent translates into real benefits for citizens.
As Ghana navigates a post-COVID economic recovery and seeks to unlock new growth frontiers, partnerships like this one—with clear accountability and focus—could be the game-changer.
