135 Days Later: The World Bank’s Silent Stance on Key Issues Revealed—-It’s been 135 days since the World Bank stated the allegations surrounding the Development Bank Ghana (DBG). On November 19, 2024, the Bank acknowledged serious concerns and mentioned engaging key stakeholders to obtain full clarification. Since then, however, there has been no public update, no follow-up statement, and no sign that the Ghanaian public, whose trust and taxes are part of the story, has been given any clarity.
The lack of communication has become an issue. We simply don’t know what has happened in the time since. There’s been no official word on whether the review has concluded, what the findings are, or what actions, if any, have been taken. In a country where institutions already struggle with transparency, silence from an organization that champions openness feels like a contradiction. If the World Bank has quietly addressed the issue without communicating with the Ghanaian public, it leaves room for confusion, speculation, and growing mistrust.
Perhaps the World Bank has already completed its review and held private meetings, but why hasn’t it publicly shared this information? A public statement was issued in November 2024, but no follow-up has been provided. Without clear communication, the public is left in the dark, and every journalist or media outlet raising questions faces the consequences of that silence.
Brand Focus Africa has stood by its role in asking questions. We didn’t accuse; we questioned. We pointed to the World Bank’s own public statement and asked what had been done since. Our reporting has been based on verified facts, and we’ve only asked for transparency in return. If there has been an outcome, where is it? If no outcome has been shared, then why is the messenger being targeted?
Accountability isn’t satisfied with just one press release; it requires ongoing follow-through. When the organizations involved remain silent, the public and the media have every right to keep asking. This issue extends beyond one project. DBG was introduced as a model of independence and transparency, free from political interference. If concerns have been raised and quietly addressed, it undermines the very integrity of that model. More importantly, it sets a concerning precedent. You can’t claim to support transparency in developing countries while holding your own findings behind closed doors.
We’re not saying the World Bank is hiding anything, but what we are saying is that public trust is built through clear communication. If the review process has concluded, let the public know. If there are ongoing concerns, be transparent about them. If all is well, explain why. Until then, each day that passes without clarity only risks leaving the issue in the shadows, and making good journalism a casualty of that silence.
If the World Bank has spoken quietly behind closed doors, we encourage it to speak again, this time clearly and publicly. While 135 days may feel like a long time for silence, it’s never too late to offer clarity.
