The Funeral Committee of the Gbedzekope-Yelibato twin communities in the Ketu South Municipality has rendered its financial account covering the past four years following an intervention by Fafaa FM, a commercial radio station based in Dzodze.
The account rendering brings to an end a prolonged wait by residents who had been calling on the committee to provide an account of funds generated and expenditure incurred since it assumed responsibility for funeral-related activities.
According to the financial statement presented by the committee, a total of GH¢12,210 was generated during the four-year period through funeral levies and other fines.
The committee reported expenditure of GH¢3,389 on various activities, including pipe maintenance, transportation, workmanship, and printing of the financial account.
The statement also indicated a previous balance of GH¢380, bringing the total funds available before expenditure to GH¢12,590.
Speaking after the account was presented, the Secretary of the Funeral Committee, Mr. James Kofi Tonyeviadzi, explained that the delay in rendering the account was not deliberate.
According to him, when the committee was constituted, members were not given a specific deadline within which they were expected to account for the funds entrusted to them.
Mr. Tonyeviadzi, however, acknowledged the role played by Fafaa FM in facilitating the presentation of the long-awaited account.
“It is because of Fafaa FM’s intervention that we have rendered the account. It was not because we were unwilling to account,” he stated.
He commended Fafaa FM for its intervention and encouraged the station to continue using its platform to promote transparency, accountability, and community development.
During its four-year tenure, the committee also undertook repairs on some damaged water pipes in the communities, helping to restore access to water for sections of Gbedzekope and Yelibato.
Following the account rendering, community members proposed that a portion of the available funds be invested in sustainable community assets capable of generating revenue.
Among the proposals was the purchase of a set of Agbadza drums and the construction of benches that could be rented out for social and community events.
Residents said such investments could create an additional source of income for the communities while also preserving aspects of their cultural heritage and supporting communal activities.
Community members expressed appreciation to Fafaa FM for its intervention, describing it as timely and necessary in ensuring accountability to residents.
They noted that the development demonstrates the role the media can play in promoting transparency and encouraging community leaders and committees to account for resources entrusted to them.
The presentation of the financial statement is being regarded by residents as an important step towards restoring confidence and strengthening accountability in the management of community funeral funds.
The intervention by Fafaa FM has ultimately brought the four-year wait for the Gbedzekope-Yelibato Funeral Committee’s account to an end.
Report by Courage Edwin Amenuda
Edited by Evortepe Isabella