President John Dramani Mahama has assured that oil revenues earmarked for his proposed US$10 billion 'Big Push' infrastructure initiative would be used judiciously.The President gave the assur­ance at the Presidency in Accra on Friday when members of the Public Interest Accountability Committee (PIAC) called on him.Led by its Chairman, Con­stantine K.M.

Kudzedzi, the Committee members visited to congratulate the President on his recent election victory and discuss matters concerning the manage­ment of Ghana's oil revenues.President Mahama outlined his government's ambitious plan to invest US$10 billion over the next five years, allocating US$2 billion annually, into priority infrastruc­ture projects across the country.These projects will target key sectors, including roads, major bridges, education, and health infrastructure, as well as areas vital for boosting productivity in the agriculture sector.He specified that agricultural projects under the 'Big Push' would encompass irrigation schemes, construction of farmer service centres, and support for agribusiness development.The President stated that the primary sources of funding for the significant policy initiative would be petroleum revenue and minerals royalties.Commending PIAC for its vital role, President Mahama lauded the Committee's efforts in monitoring and ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilisation of Ghana's petroleum revenues.He highlighted PIAC as a com­mendable model for other coun­tries seeking effective oversight mechanisms.The PIAC is an independent statutory body mandated to pro­mote transparency and account­ability in the management of petroleum revenues in Ghana.The mandates of the Committee include monitoring and evaluating compliance with the Act by gov­ernment and relevant institutions in the management and use of pe­troleum revenues and investments.It is also to provide space and platform for the public to debate on whether spending prospects and management and use of revenues conform to development priorities as provided under section 21 (3) of the PIAC Act.Additionally, the Committee provides independent assessment on the management and use of petroleum revenues to assist parliament and the executive in the oversight and the performance of related functio BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI