NDC CORRUPTION

Sunday, October 8, 2017

A-Plus’ corruption claims baseless – Deputy Chief of Staff

A-Plus

A Deputy Chief of Staff, Francis Asenso-Boakye has rejected corruption accusations made against him and his other colleague, Abu Jinapor by musician A-Plus.

A-Plus while commenting on Facebook on President Akufo-Addo’s achievement so far said some of his officials are very “corrupt.”

He in the post also took on Mr. Asenso-Boakye and Abu Jinapor describing them as not only corrupt but “stupid” although he failed to list their crimes.

Asenso-Boakye and Abu Jinapor

“…7 months of NPP government. So far so good except appointing some very corrupt official including the two very stupid deputy chief of staff. It’s amazing how Nana was able to appoint two thieves whose level of stupidity is the same. Arrogant and corrupt fools. You think you’ll be in power forever. Even John Mahama I was not afraid of him then you (sic),” A-Plus stated.

Unhappy with the accusations however, Mr. Asenso-Boakye lambasted A-Plus for making what he described as unsubstantiated claims of corruption against him and advised the musician, who campaigned vigorously for Akufo-Addo ahead of the December 7 polls, to channel his energies into helping the president to succeed.

“Indulging in baseless accusations and unsubstantiated claims of corruption and arrogance is beneath you and frankly discredits you in the eyes of right thinking Ghanaians. As the President noted at the just ended NPP Conference, he is willing and ready to look into any case of alleged corruption. You may kindly take up his generous offer and present your case to him,” he added in a statement.

This claim comes on the back of a directive President Akufo-Addo gave to the security agencies to investigate corruption allegations made against any of his officials.

“Let me reassure you of one thing. Any allegation about corruption against any official member of my government will be investigated by the law enforcement agencies. And those who made that allegation better be prepared to support it when they are making these allegations of corruption because nobody is going to get away with it,” the President said.

Below is the full statement from Francis Asenso-Boakye:

Francis Asenso-Boakye writes

Dear Kwame A Plus,

I have read with bemusement your infantile and opprobrious rants against my colleague and I, and which also seeks to question the judgement of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. This is quite regrettable given your avowed support for Nana Akufo-Addo’s vision and commitment to accelerate the development of Ghana. We have work to do and in a hurry to alleviate the debilitating poverty that demeans our people. I genuinely expect all who profess to have the interest of Ghanaians at heart to dedicate themselves to the cause rather than engage in trivialities and attention seeking stunts.

As you may have noticed in my limited interactions with you, the attainment of Akufo-Addo’s vision remains a cardinal priority and paramount consideration in my dealings with all and sundry. I have applied myself diligently and professionally in discharging my duties both as Political Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff. My schedule in the dual capacity in which I serve His Excellency the President, affords me neither the time or luxury to be planning elaborate schemes to fleece the good people of Ghana who have graciously given us a sacred mandate.

Like you, many people contributed to our resounding electoral victory and remain eager to assist the government achieve its transformation agenda by building a resilient economy that provides fair and equitable opportunities for all. Yet, i must say that it is not everyone who has developed a nauseating sense of entitlement as you unfortunately have. It’s a shame that you would sheepishly use your social media platform and following to seek to besmirch my image and reputation simply to score some measure of revenge for my inability to accede to your request.

I have endeavoured, in my social and political life, to treat everyone with whom I have had the privilege of meeting, big or small, famous or not, with the utmost respect and reverence.

May I reiterate to you, as I did in April, that I will not be intimidated by your vile attacks on my person or held to ransom. You have enormous potential; please harness it more productively. I would earnestly urge you to use your time more judiciously to help move Ghana forward.

Indulging in baseless accusations and unsubstantiated claims of corruption and arrogance is beneath you and frankly discredits you in the eyes of right thinking Ghanaians. As the President noted at the just ended NPP Conference, he is willing and ready to look into any case of alleged corruption. You may kindly take up his generous offer and present your case to him.

While I have this opportunity, allow me to echo the sentiments of President J. A. Kufuor. We need matured minds in our Party and body politics. You will do well to heed the age old adage: “a word to the wise is enough”

I wish you a pleasant day

By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Bus branding: More gov’t officials let off the hook – Report

The branded buses

A leaked highly confidential government document available to Citi News, suggests that Ghana’s presidency has been rather lenient in its handling of the bus branding scandal, which led to some 1.9 million Ghana cedis loss to the state due to an over-payment.

Pieces of official evidence seen by Citi News show that state officials of both the Transport and Finance Ministries broke a number of national laws in their supervision of the 3.6 million Ghana cedis bus branding contract executed by Smarttys.

The leaked document, which is said to be the Attorney General’s investigative report on the bus branding scandal which forced Dzifa Attivor to resign as Minister for Transport, found plentiful evidence of gross desecration of the 1992 Constitution, the Public Procurement Act and a number of other laws that govern the use of public funds, and recommended that the officials involved be investigated and punished.

For instance, according to the report, after review of the state’s contract with Smarttys, the Attorney General found that the state should not have paid Smarttys more than 1.7 million Ghana cedis for the branding project.

The Attorney General also found that the branding by Smarttys was commenced and concluded long before the procurement process started, a conduct that violated the nation’s procurement laws.

“…the rebranding by Smarttys was commenced and concluded even before the procurement process began. This fact has been confirmed by both Smarttys and the Ministry of Transport. They attribute this lapse to the urgency attached to rebranding and spraying of the buses,” the report added.

Again, the report also showed that contrary to the provisions of article 88 of the 1992 constitution, the Ministry of Transport did not submit the bus branding contract with Smarttys to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice for review prior to execution of the deal.

Also, per the leaked document, the Presidency ought to have directed the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) to investigate all the public officials who handled the contract award as well as the payments made.

Those found culpable are to face the appropriate penalties and sanctions for their respective roles in causing the public purse to lose more than 1.9 million Ghana cedis to Smarttys in a deal that should not have cost the national kitty more than 1.7 million Ghana cedis.

However, contrary to the findings and recommendations of the Attorney General, the office of the President simply released a statement in which it directed Smarttys to refund the excess payments to the state without any talk of referral of the offending state officials to EOCO for investigation and subsequent action.

–

By: Richard Dela Sky/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Bus branding deal signed before procurement process began

CEO of Smarttys Management Limited, Selassie Ibrahim.

Before any government contract is awarded, it is expected to go through procurement processes including the selection of a suitable contractor to execute the project. But a highly confidential leaked government document available to Citi News shows that such was not the case in the bus branding deal.

The document believed to be a report from the Attorney General after investigations into the deal, revealed that the branding executed by Smarttys was commenced and concluded long before the procurement process started, a conduct that violated the nation’s procurement laws.

“The rebranding by Smarttys was commenced and concluded even before the procurement process began. This fact has been confirmed by both Smarttys and the Ministry of Transport. They attribute this lapse to the urgency attached to rebranding and spraying of the buses,” the report noted.

The report cited by Citi News further suggests that Ghana’s presidency has been rather lenient in its handling of the bus branding scandal, since state officials both at the Transport and Finance Ministries broke a number of national laws in their supervision of the 3.6 million Ghana cedis contract.

“An analysis of the documents clearly shows that several public officers were involved in the procurement and payment process. We therefore recommend that all officers who handled any aspect of these processes flouted the laid down legislation should investigated the Economic and Organised Crime Office [EOCO].”

It also added that after review of the state’s contract with Smarttys, the Attorney General found that the state should not have paid Smarttys more than 1.7 million Ghana cedis for the branding project.

“Having regard to the above findings we are of the view that Smarttys charged and was paid more than it should have for the service it provided. This situation would not have arisen if proper procurement processes had been observed and a value for money audit conducted. In our view, judging from the quotes received from the local automobile companies, government should not have paid more than GHc1,700,120.49 for rebranding and spraying of the buses (this sum includes VAT and NHIL),” the report indicated.

Background:

Government’s decision to spend GHc3.6 million of Ghana’s oil revenue on branding some 116 Metro Mass Transit (MMT) buses has been widely criticized and described as reckless.

The scandal compelled the Transport Minister, Dzifa Attivor to resign after a massive public outcry.

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah subsequently ordered the Attorney General to investigate the matter after which Smarttys has been ordered to refund the excess payments made.

–

By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

NDC gov’t spent GHc317m oil cash on capacity building

While lack of expertise continue to hinder Ghanaian companies from exploring opportunities in the oil and gas sector, government splashed a whopping GH¢317 million (GH¢317,109,617) on capacity-building between 2011 and 2016.

Despite this colossal amount, Ghana continues to grapple with skilled technical labour – giving room for expatriates to snap lucrative jobs in the sector.

Capacity-building is one of the four priority areas that benefit from the yearly allocation of oil revenues, which are to be directed at initiatives to enhance the skills of Ghanaians to be able to manage the oil and gas sector.

However, after more than seven years of oil exploitation, it is difficult, if not impossible, to mention how these allocations have helped sharpen the skills of Ghanaians to take advantage of technical employment opportunities in the sector.

It is estimated that out of the GH¢317 million allocation made for capacity-building, about 70% was used to fund various social interventions in the education sector while part was given as support to state-controlled financial institutions.

The little part of the money that went into capacity was also used to mostly sponsor Ghanaians to travel outside for Masters programmes in oil and gas.

Sadly, most of the beneficiaries return to Ghana only to remain jobless because the industry is not in need of their services since they did more of academic work.

Institutions such as Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF) Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), National Youth Authority (NYA)which have been rocked by corruption scandals have all received substantial amounts of the capacity-building money.

2011 – GH¢750,000allocated for capacity building
In 2011, government allocated GH¢750,000 which was used to build laboratories at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to train students studying petrochemical engineering.

2012-GH¢111.6m allocated for capacity building
For 2012, over GH¢111.6million (GH¢111,656,738) was allocated for capacity-building.

GH¢35m for MASLOC(2012)
The Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) received GH¢35million of the capacity-building money to give out as loans.

Even though this money has not been returned to state purse, MASLOC is broke as monies disbursed to people have not been paid back.

Over GH¢100 million being loans given to beneficiaries have still not been recovered by Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC).

GH¢15.9m for NYEP(2012)
The National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) was given GH¢15.9million(GH¢15,907,952).

GH¢10m for NADMO(2012)
An amount of GH¢10million was provided to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO)to purchase relief items.

GH¢11.9m to purchase of goods and services for MoFA (2012)
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) was allocated GH¢11.9million (GH¢11,984,020) for the purchase of goods and services.

GH¢10m for ICT training for persons with disability(2012)
An amount of GH¢10million was earmarked for the training of 5,000 persons with disability in Information Communication Technology ((ICT).

GH¢8.1m for LEAP(2012)
The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) received GH¢8.1million to disburse to beneficiaries.

GH¢5m for Venture Capital Trust Fund (2012)
A total of GH¢5million was given to financial support to Venture Capital Trust Fund.

GH¢4m for skills training in road maintenance (2012)
The government also gave GH¢4million (GH¢4,092,048) for skills training in road maintenance.

GH¢5.3m for Ghana Living Standards Survey (2012)
An amount of GH¢5.3million (GH¢5,373,418) was used to fund Ghana Living Standards Survey.

GH¢2m for MUISGA (2012)
The Musician Union of Ghana (MUISGA) received GH¢2million as support to the creative industry.

GH¢2m for Exim Guarantee Company (2012)
Exim Guarantee Company Ghana Limited rebranded into Exim Bank received GH¢2million as recapitalisation.

GH¢1.7m for Lands Ministry (2012)
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources was given GH¢1.7million (GH¢1,790,000).

GH¢445,300 for NYA (2012)
The National Youth Authority (NYA) also received GH¢445,300.

2013 – GH¢20.1m
In the year 2013, government allocatedGH¢20.1million (GH¢20,183,359) for capacity-building.

GH¢10m for Venture Capital Trust Fund (2013)
The Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF) again received GH¢10million as financial support.

An alleged corrupt scandal at the VCTFhas caused the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) to open investigations.

According to the Daily Guide newspaper, the Development Assistance Fund (DAF) and the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created under the VCTF to give funding access to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) were allegedly used as an avenue to steal state funds.

Currently, only about 7% of a whopping GH¢18.26 million invested by the government between 2010 and 2015 has been recovered and GH¢32 million is still outstanding.

GH¢2m for Exim Guarantee Fund (2013)
Exim Guarantee Fund was also allocated GH¢2million in 2013.

GH¢8.1m for Petroleum Commission (2013)
The Petroleum Commission received GH¢8.1million (GH¢8,183,359) to support its operations.

2015 – GH¢101.4m allocated for capacity-building
For the year 2015, an amount of GH¢101.4million (GH¢101,482,290)was disbursed for capacity-building.

GH¢34.5m for SHS subsidy(2015)
Out of this amount, GH¢34.5million (GH¢34,557,175) was allocated for the payment of Senior High School (SHS) subsidy and implementation of progressively Free SHS.

GH¢23.5m for School feeding(2015)
Also, GH¢23.5million (GH¢23,531,764) was used to pay for school feeding.

GH¢16.6m for capitation grant(2015)
In addition, government also used GH¢16.6million (GH¢16,647,366) to pay for capitation grant.

GH¢15.5 for BECE (2015)
An amount ofGH¢15.5million (GH¢15,543,500) was also used as subsidy for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

GH¢4.5m for SHS, Primary school capacity-building(2015)
An amount of GH¢4.5million (GH¢4,510,904) went into the payments to improve capacity at Primary and Secondary Schools.

GH¢3.8m for school uniforms (2015)
Payment for the supply of school uniforms in four regions accounted for GH¢3.8million (GH¢3,898,647).

GH¢2.2m for HR Audit (2015)
Government also allocated GH¢2.2million (GH¢2,236,276) as the payment for Human Resources audit activities.

GH¢556, 655 for stationery (2015)
An amount of GH¢556,655 went into the printing and transportation of stationery to seven regions.

2016 – GH¢83m allocated for capacity building
Last year [2016], an amount of GH¢83million(GH¢83,037,284), which was set aside for capacity-building, was given to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).

–

Source: The Finder

Former MASLOC CEO ready to meet EOCO – Lawyers

Sedinam Tamakloe Attionu - Former CEO, MASLOC

The former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, is ready to attend upon the Economic and Organized Crime Organization (EOCO) in what appears to be an investigation into her tenure at the center, her lawyers have said.

They said although EOCO has not stated exactly why they have invited her, they believe the organization want some clarifications from her over certain issues while she was serving there.

Reports indicated that, EOCO sent a letter requesting Sedina Attionu’s presence today [Monday] over some unknown issues.

The invitation was confirmed later by her lawyers who stated in a letter sighted by citifmonline.com,that Mrs. Attionu will corporate with EOCO.

Speaking in an interview, Sedina Attionu’s counsel, Victor Adawudu, said “The minute details have not been given. I believe it is just to inform us that they are looking at some issues in relation to MASLOC and we should hold our self in readiness for assistance if there is any information.”

He further discredited assertions the former MASLOC boss was under investigations by EOCO.

“So we are not under any investigation, neither have they said that we have committed any crime or any offense for which we are being investigated. I believe if EOCO gives us the signal as to the time and the place and when we should make ourselves available, we would comply with that. I believe that she can do what she wants to do. She is also ready to also come and assist. These are issues that will definitely come up, they are an occupational hazard.”

Last month, Ibrahim Mahama, the brother of former President John Mahama was also invited by EOCO over tax issues with the Ghana Revenue Authority.

The former CEO of COCOBOD, Dr. Stephen Opuni, has also had his turn with EOCO in the last few months after his appointment was terminated by the President.

Sedina Tamakloe Attionu reportedly resigned from MASLOC in January 2017, ahead of the swearing-in of the new government, and was replaced by President Akufo-Addo’s appointee, Stephen Amoah.

–

By: Eugenia Tenkorang/citifmonline.com/Ghana

AG reviewing ‘inflated’ MASLOC car deal – Afia Akoto

Maame Afia Akoto

The Deputy Executive Secretary of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Maame Afia Akoto, has revealed that her outfit has asked the Attorney General (AG) to review the deal involving the purchase of 350 vehicles under the previous administration.

According to her, checks had revealed that the cars which were being sold for $9, 000 in the showrooms of MAC Auto & Spare Parts Ghana Limited, had been purchased by the government at a cost of about $16, 000 per vehicle from the same company resulting in a reported loss of about $2 million.

The vehicles were meant for the use of drivers from the Ghana Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU) on a hire purchase basis.

The Statesman Newspaper reported earlier on Tuesday that the 100 Chevrolet Spark vehicles, 150 Chevrolet Aveo vehicles and 100 Izusu buses, had been “left at the mercy of the weather” after GPRTU refused to buy them at the excessive prices.

MASLOC has asked the AG’s department to peruse the contracts after they were notified of the inflated prices by the commercial drivers who felt that they were being taken advantage of.

Speaking on Eyewitness News, Maame Afia Akoto stated that, the AG was reviewing the contract with MAC Ghana Limited, while negotiations were ongoing with the company over a possible reduction of the prices.

She also denied suggestions that the new management of MASLOC had refused to give out the vehicles procured under the Mahama administration for political reasons.

“We aren’t going to abandon vehicles just because they were purchased by the old administration. We would want to give the best to the people and for that reason, we’ve asked the AG to go through the documents and asked the company to come down on the price and we’re hoping we get somewhere. It’s been going back and forth from February till now, and the company has dropped some of the prices but it doesn’t make any difference in terms of what the GPRTU executives are looking for,” she said

“The GPRTU executives initially had a fair idea of how much they could [afford] and the types of cars they wanted. What we came to meet was a totally different price compared to what the executives of the GPRTU were informed about. Currently, the prices in their showrooms, you can get the saloon cars for $9, 000, it runs through. On the agreement, what we have is about $16, 000. It had to take the GPRTU executives to draw our attention to the prices that the [cars] are going for in their showrooms and we sent people to go and check” she explained.

‘No modifications or enhancements’

There have been suggestions that the increased prices might be as a result of modifications to the cars to ensure they are fit for the purpose.

However, according to Afia Akoto, the cars were not enhanced in any way which could have ballooned the cost by almost 40%.

“These cars are not for personal use. These are commercial cars. What’s in their showrooms currently, is exactly what we have in our custody. It’s not that they are different from what they have in their showrooms. These are not personal cars that you can say some enhancements were done to the taste of the user,” she said.

“If you are to buy things to help the middle and lower class to get something to do and you end up doubling and tripling the prices, you ask yourself are you out there to help them or kill them?” she asked.

–

By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana

EOCO invites former MASLOC CEO for questioning

Sedinam Tamakloe Attionu - Former CEO, MASLOC

Lawyers for Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) have confirmed an impending invitation to her to appear before the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for questioning.

They however indicated that the former CEO will not be able to honour the invitation this morning [Monday] because she is out of the country.

In a statement released to the Press by the lawyers they, however, gave assurances that she will honour the invitation and fully cooperate with EOCO upon her return.

Although it is unclear why EOCO has summoned her, sources there say she is expected to answer some questions concerning her tenure in office.

Last month, Ibrahim Mahama, the brother of former President John Mahama was also invited by EOCO on several occasions over tax issues with the Ghana Revenue Authority.

The former CEO of COCOBOD, Dr Stephen Opuni has also had his turn with EOCO in the last few months after his appointment was terminated by the President.

Sedina Tamakloe Attionu reportedly resigned from MASLOC in January this year ahead of the swearing-in of the new government and was replaced by President Akufo-Addo’s appointee, Stephen Amoah.

Read the letter for her lawyers below:

STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF SEDINATAMAKLOEATTIONU, FORMER CEO OF MASLOC

I, Victor Adawudu, attorney-at-law, issue this statement on behalf of Mrs. Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC).

Mrs. Attionu has been notified of a letter of invitation from the Economic &Organised Crime Organisation (EOCO) dated May 4, 2017, requesting for information pursuant to section 19 of Act 804/10, and to meet the Acting Executive Director of EOCO at 10am on May 8, 2017.

Mrs. Attionu is out of the country on an important family assignment. She has committed to full cooperation, without prejudice, immediately on her return. In her absence and until her return, her attorneys Lexkudoz Law Firm, will begin the process of engagement with EOCO.

We hereby caution all media houses and the general public that any attempt to denigrate Mrs. Attionu or soil her hard-earned reputation with insinuations, fabrications and or twisted commentary will be met frontally and forcefully with all the legal arsenal at our disposal.

Signed

Victor Adawudu

Attorney-at-Law

–

By: Felicia Osei/citifmonline.com/Ghana

GPRTU deplores MASLOC car deal, urges EOCO probe

Source: Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | Austin.powers@myjoyonline.com | Instagram: @Realbrakopowers

Date: 04-10-2017

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says it did not enter into an agreement with the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) for the supply of 350 vehicles, despite a contrary report.

Although the Union admitted it held some talks with MASLOC over the car deal, it said it did not sign the contract.

GPRTU National Chairman Kwame Nkrumah told Joy News Wednesday, the Union withdrew from the deal because it was fraught with some illegalities.

He said when the document was submitted to the Union, it had space for only the General Secretary to sign, despite the requirement of three signatories.

Mr Nkrumah explained a contract will only be binding on the Union if it is signed by the President, General Secretary and either the First Trustee or Second Trustee.

But the MASLOC vehicle deal did not meet that requirement, he told Joy News’ Komla Adom.

Mr Nkrumah believes a thorough probe by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) will unearth circumstances that led to the vehicle purchase.

The current management of MASLOC is in a dilemma after GPRTU rejected some 350 vehicles procured for its members.

The past government contracted MAC Autos and Spare Parts Ghana Limited to supply those vehicles at the sum of ¢62.2 million.

MASLOC CEO, Steven Amoah has disclosed to Joy News he has had several meetings with GPRTU executives since he assumed office but they are concerned about the prices of the vehicles.

A mini-bus reportedly cost $111,000, an equivalent of ¢450,000 and small vehicles are also said to range between ¢250,000 to 400,000.

Mr Amoah said he has written to the Attorney-General Gloria Akuffo to seek her counsel in the handling of the matter.

But the GPRTU has maintained it did not sanction the contract because it had serious issues with the arrangement, which were not resolved.

Mr Nkrumah said the Union was not given the opportunity to choose the type of vehicles its members would like to purchase from MASLOC.

He has called on EOCO to investigate the matter in order for the people behind the deal to be made to face the law.