SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
1. Collection of amounts from financial controller, Lt Col M Tahiru (GH/2392) by Colonel COA Nutakor (GH/2392) in April 2010
a. Amounts collected:
(1) Amounts for Directing Staff/General Staff -$3000.00
(2) Accountable Imprest for Benin group -$5000.00
(3) Amount given to Commanding Officer/Deputy -$2000.00
Adjutant and Quartermaster General (CO/DAAQMG),
Lt Col RA Salifu (GH/1966)
(4) Amount of $3000.00 kept by Col COA Nutakor.
b. Complaint by two leading members of the group for Benin:
(1) Lt Col AY Nsiah (GH/2277) -Directing Staff Member at Army Faculty.
(2) Lt Col DYA Nyarko (GH/2425)
c. The two officers approached Col Nutakor to demand the $3000.00 allocated to the Benin Group as accountable imprest but deducted from the amount of $5000.00 by Col Nutakor.
d. Col COA Nutakor explains that the amount was meant for “administration” and similar deductions had been made by leaders of other Groups.
e. The two officers not satisfied with explanations given by Col Nutakor report issue to Director of Studies (DOS), Col S Yanyi-Akofur (GH/1834).
f. Col S Yanyi-Akofur asks that the two officers to report the matters to the Deputy Commandant, Brigadier General HWK Agbenuzah (GH/1565).
g. Brigadier General HWK Agbenuzah tells the two officers to go and that he would call them later.
h. Col COA Nutakor tells Brig Gen Hope Agbenuzah that the two officers wanted to collect the amount of $3000.00 and share among themselves instead of using it for the benefit of the entire Benin Group.
i. Consequently, Brig Gen Agbenuzah informs the Commandant, Major General Kwesi Yankson (GH/1339), of the false explanation given by Col Nutakor.
j. Commandant calls the two officers and the truth comes out that Col Nutakor has kept the amount of $3000.00 and the two officers were justified in demanding it.
k. Commandant gives the amount of $3000 to the Group Leader for Benin but failed to make Col Nutakor refund it.
l. Group leaves by road for Benin using the Buses of the College. This was the only group that traveled by road and not by air. Therefore, the group needed more funds as accountable imprest as they could be called upon to service, maintain and repair the vehicles in addition to catering for the needs of the group in terms of gifts, refreshment and other activities of welfare.
m. A very important member of the group was Lt Col JOB Kuseh (GH/2265) who very fluent French owing to his two year Military Academy Training in Burkina Faso.
n. Lt Col Kuseh exploited his prior knowledge of some very senior Beninois officers to advantage and that enabled the group to have some assistance from their hosts in the form of food, refreshment, use of military facilities and personnel.
o. It appears apparent that Col Nutakor did not join the group for the visit to Benin and yet collected the amount of $3000 meant for participants. Once Col Nutakor opted to stay in Ghana and did not participate in the visit, he should have refunded the amount to the financial controller.
p. the money used for the trips are public funds and have to be accounted for. Since Col Nutakor did not undertake the trip, he must be made to refund it otherwise a financial loss would have been caused to the state by the Commandant and the Deputy Commandant of the College.
EMERGENCY MEETINGS
• After information reached the press, Brig Gen Agbenuzah called an emergency meeting and intimated that very sensitive and confidential matters concerning the College had been leaked to the press.
• He appealed to officers of the College to keep confidential and other matters of the College out of reach of the press.
• On Friday 18th June 2010 after the publication on the Ghana Web, a circular was issued in the College indicating that the Commandant would be holding an emergency on Friday 18th June 2010 at 1300hrs at the Ankrah Hall
• The meeting however took place at the Ankrah Hall at 1400hrs and lasted for about thirty (30) minutes.
• The Commandant deplored the conduct of an officer or officers behind the publication. The Commandant suspected that some members of the Directing staff had reported the issues raised in the publication to the pressman.
• The Commandant appealed to the officers to unite and work as a team. He continued by saying that matters concerning the College should remain at the College.
More anon !
Monday, June 28, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Handiwork of Koku Anyodoho!
Somebody Should Tell Abayateye To Shut Up!!!
What was Hon Abayateye, NDC MP for Sege saying on air?
Did I hear Abayateye say that the removal of Hon Bagbin as Leader of the NDC is going to affect the work of the NDC in Parliament because Bagbin is the only person who can match-up to Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu?
Is this what Abayateye is saying?
Somebody should tell him to give us a break! Yes, he should give us a break!!!
Uncle JB does not doubt the competence of Hon Bagbin in any way but I think that Abayateye’s submission is not an honest one.
Abayateye should tell us in what way the NDC Leadership in Parliament matched-up to Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu in the year gone by?
Has Kyei Mensah-Bonsu not taken over the role of Majority Leader and walking around like a peacock and insulting President Atta Mills just because the Majority has given him the latitude so to do?
He Abayateye, what contribution has he made on the floor of the House since he became an MP?
Abayateye and his colleagues; are they not allowing morons like Isaac Essiamah to have his way and making all kinds of nonsensical statements on the floor of Parliament?
Instead of making solid submissions on the floor of Parliament, the likes of Abayateye are quick to go on radio and make nonsensical submissions.
The voice that they use to say all kinds of things against the President on the airwaves, if they use it defend the policies of Government on the floor of Parliament, would it not be more beneficial to the NDC?
These our MPs, are they for the NDC or for the NPP?
Honestly, the attitude of our NDC MPs is frightening.
Because of the concept of free speech, NDC MPs are prepared to go on air and say anything about their President? Ei! Ei! Ei!
So, in the name of democracy, NDC MPs are quick to spit in the face of their President. Hmm!!!
Let us continue to joke with the power we have and when we make a mistake and allow the narcotics peddlers to snatch the power from us, that is when we will realize how foolish we have been.
Of course, most of the MPs who are misbehaving have convinced themselves that even if the NDC loses, they will retain their seats.
Yes, as far as the MPs are concerned, if we lose at the Executive level, they will maintain their seats and so they don’t care.
But I tell them that they will not succeed. O yes, they will not succeed.
And for their information, some of us will work very hard in 2012 to make sure that they lose their seats.
If they think they are in Parliament because of their own strength, we will prove to them that they in Parliament on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress.
No amount of wicked internal scheming by internal enemies will stop President Atta Mills from succeeding in his Better Ghana agenda.
Abayateye and the other NDC MPs who are selling themselves to the NPP should bow down their heads in shame.
NB: This is what our Communications Director does best!
What was Hon Abayateye, NDC MP for Sege saying on air?
Did I hear Abayateye say that the removal of Hon Bagbin as Leader of the NDC is going to affect the work of the NDC in Parliament because Bagbin is the only person who can match-up to Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu?
Is this what Abayateye is saying?
Somebody should tell him to give us a break! Yes, he should give us a break!!!
Uncle JB does not doubt the competence of Hon Bagbin in any way but I think that Abayateye’s submission is not an honest one.
Abayateye should tell us in what way the NDC Leadership in Parliament matched-up to Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu in the year gone by?
Has Kyei Mensah-Bonsu not taken over the role of Majority Leader and walking around like a peacock and insulting President Atta Mills just because the Majority has given him the latitude so to do?
He Abayateye, what contribution has he made on the floor of the House since he became an MP?
Abayateye and his colleagues; are they not allowing morons like Isaac Essiamah to have his way and making all kinds of nonsensical statements on the floor of Parliament?
Instead of making solid submissions on the floor of Parliament, the likes of Abayateye are quick to go on radio and make nonsensical submissions.
The voice that they use to say all kinds of things against the President on the airwaves, if they use it defend the policies of Government on the floor of Parliament, would it not be more beneficial to the NDC?
These our MPs, are they for the NDC or for the NPP?
Honestly, the attitude of our NDC MPs is frightening.
Because of the concept of free speech, NDC MPs are prepared to go on air and say anything about their President? Ei! Ei! Ei!
So, in the name of democracy, NDC MPs are quick to spit in the face of their President. Hmm!!!
Let us continue to joke with the power we have and when we make a mistake and allow the narcotics peddlers to snatch the power from us, that is when we will realize how foolish we have been.
Of course, most of the MPs who are misbehaving have convinced themselves that even if the NDC loses, they will retain their seats.
Yes, as far as the MPs are concerned, if we lose at the Executive level, they will maintain their seats and so they don’t care.
But I tell them that they will not succeed. O yes, they will not succeed.
And for their information, some of us will work very hard in 2012 to make sure that they lose their seats.
If they think they are in Parliament because of their own strength, we will prove to them that they in Parliament on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress.
No amount of wicked internal scheming by internal enemies will stop President Atta Mills from succeeding in his Better Ghana agenda.
Abayateye and the other NDC MPs who are selling themselves to the NPP should bow down their heads in shame.
NB: This is what our Communications Director does best!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
PRESS RELEASED BY THE JAMAN SOUTH
PRESS RELEASED BY THE JAMAN SOUTH
NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY (NPP) CONSTITUENCY
EXECUTIVES COMMUNICATION TEAM (17/06/2010)
It has come to the notice of the party in the constituency that the District Chief Executive of the Jaman South District, Hon Julius Atta Bediako has vowed to use all sources of intimidation to deal with our perceived supporters in other to kill the good image and spirit of the party in the constituency.
The D.C.E just yesterday used the police to arrest one Kwadwo Yeboa who operates one of the DSTV’S bought by the previous Administration during the Ghana 2008 African cup of Nation to enable individuals who will like to watch the said tournament in public.
The said Kojo Yeboa was given one of the DSTV’S to operate for the Public at Drobo Station which he did so on behalf of the Drobo community. He still keeps the DSTV because it was given to him by the Assembly member for Drobo and in the name of Drobo Traditional Council.
However, the rest to be precise three (3) of the DSTV’S were given to the other two Traditional councils including one at Adamsu to serve the some purposes mentioned earlier
The D.C.E without doing any enquires or checks from the Assembly to be precise from his handover notes tried to use all foul means with the persistent pressure from his foot soldiers to collect those DSTV’S and hand over to them.
It is rather unfortunate that the D.C.E will respond to the calls by using the police to arrest and persecute those who operate the DSTV’S by calling them thieves. He used the police to move to Adamsu, Dwemin and Jepekrom to embark on an operation “SATISFYING THE NEEDS OF FOOT SOLDIERS “to cease those DSTV’S
Again, just recently the DCE called and vowed to deal with the constituency youth organizer of the party for criticizing him on his idea of constructing a fence wall at the cost of ¢574 million at the DCE’S residency. The fence contract was award without following the procurement procedures.
From our point of view, we believe the DCE is using the police to intimidate the perceived supporters of the NPP in the District.
Upon deliberations we have come out with the following:
1. The DCE should have known better that the DSTV’S were acquired by the Assembly but not individuals.
2. The DCE should focus on developmental projects and stop these pertinent issues.
3. If there are no records of such DSTV’S how did he know that they are for the Assembly?
4. The DSTV’S were given to those communities through their Assembly members and their Chiefs but not those who are operating them.
5. The DCE should buy new DSTV’S for those communities which did not get.
6. If the DCE says those who are operating the DSTV’S have stolen them, he insults the Assembly members responsible and their chiefs.
7. We believe if the DCE is taking over those DSTV’S he should tell those communities where they can locate such DSTV’S to watch the world cup which is under way in South Africa
8. We also appeal to the Noble profession, the police service in the District not to stand low for them to be use by the Hon. DCE to achieve his parochial political interest.
In conclusion, if the Hon. DCE will stop all his diabolical intensions not to be pushed by his foot soldiers to take such actions it will help to bring and stimulate peace and unity in the District.
We also want to state here that this will not in any way intimidate our supporters.
BEDIAKO ANDREWS.
CONSTITUENCY YOUTH ORGANIZER.
NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY (NPP) CONSTITUENCY
EXECUTIVES COMMUNICATION TEAM (17/06/2010)
It has come to the notice of the party in the constituency that the District Chief Executive of the Jaman South District, Hon Julius Atta Bediako has vowed to use all sources of intimidation to deal with our perceived supporters in other to kill the good image and spirit of the party in the constituency.
The D.C.E just yesterday used the police to arrest one Kwadwo Yeboa who operates one of the DSTV’S bought by the previous Administration during the Ghana 2008 African cup of Nation to enable individuals who will like to watch the said tournament in public.
The said Kojo Yeboa was given one of the DSTV’S to operate for the Public at Drobo Station which he did so on behalf of the Drobo community. He still keeps the DSTV because it was given to him by the Assembly member for Drobo and in the name of Drobo Traditional Council.
However, the rest to be precise three (3) of the DSTV’S were given to the other two Traditional councils including one at Adamsu to serve the some purposes mentioned earlier
The D.C.E without doing any enquires or checks from the Assembly to be precise from his handover notes tried to use all foul means with the persistent pressure from his foot soldiers to collect those DSTV’S and hand over to them.
It is rather unfortunate that the D.C.E will respond to the calls by using the police to arrest and persecute those who operate the DSTV’S by calling them thieves. He used the police to move to Adamsu, Dwemin and Jepekrom to embark on an operation “SATISFYING THE NEEDS OF FOOT SOLDIERS “to cease those DSTV’S
Again, just recently the DCE called and vowed to deal with the constituency youth organizer of the party for criticizing him on his idea of constructing a fence wall at the cost of ¢574 million at the DCE’S residency. The fence contract was award without following the procurement procedures.
From our point of view, we believe the DCE is using the police to intimidate the perceived supporters of the NPP in the District.
Upon deliberations we have come out with the following:
1. The DCE should have known better that the DSTV’S were acquired by the Assembly but not individuals.
2. The DCE should focus on developmental projects and stop these pertinent issues.
3. If there are no records of such DSTV’S how did he know that they are for the Assembly?
4. The DSTV’S were given to those communities through their Assembly members and their Chiefs but not those who are operating them.
5. The DCE should buy new DSTV’S for those communities which did not get.
6. If the DCE says those who are operating the DSTV’S have stolen them, he insults the Assembly members responsible and their chiefs.
7. We believe if the DCE is taking over those DSTV’S he should tell those communities where they can locate such DSTV’S to watch the world cup which is under way in South Africa
8. We also appeal to the Noble profession, the police service in the District not to stand low for them to be use by the Hon. DCE to achieve his parochial political interest.
In conclusion, if the Hon. DCE will stop all his diabolical intensions not to be pushed by his foot soldiers to take such actions it will help to bring and stimulate peace and unity in the District.
We also want to state here that this will not in any way intimidate our supporters.
BEDIAKO ANDREWS.
CONSTITUENCY YOUTH ORGANIZER.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Confusion At GAFCSC/ STAFF COLLEGE!
The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), the highest learning institution of the military in Ghana, is gradually being destroyed by Col COA Nutakor and others. Col Chris Nutakor who is the General Staff Officer Grade One (GSO1) at the College has become the de facto Commandant.
Col Chris Nutakor who hails from the Volta Region has usurped the powers of the Commandant to the chagrin of all well meaning officers and men of the college. It is Col Chris Nutakor who “moves” and “unmoves” the college.
Most officers and men in the college fear him including the Commandant, Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies. They all fear Col Chris Nutakor because he frequents the corridors of power at the Castle and blue gate and nobody wants to lose their appointments as he intermittently warns and threatens.
There was one such occasion when he caused the Deputy Commandant to call an emergency meeting of the chief instructors of Army, Navy and Airforce faculties, the Director of Studies (DOS) and the Members of the Directing Staff.
At the said meeting, after a brief introduction by the Deputy Commandant, One Star Hope Agbenuzah, Col Chris Nutakor went into tantrums saying that some officers had been going round spreading false information that he was the real commandant, commanding and controlling the College and charged offensively on the officers.
The Director of Studies, who is a very senior Colonel, could no longer bear the insubordination of Colonel Nutakor and replied in a very firm and decisive manner to the admiration of all officers.
The DOS retorted that the widely held opinion that he was de facto Commandant was true and backed his assertion with pieces of evidence in a chronological order. The summary of DOS’remarks was that Col Nutakor was holding the college to ransom.
As the GSO1, Col Nutakor is supposed to be the principal Staff Officer to the Commandant to coordinate activities at the College. Rather, Col Nutakor spends more of his time at the Law faculty of the University of Ghana where he is pursuing an LLB programme with Naval Commodore Biekro, the Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Moreover, in the case of Col Nutakor, he locks up the official correspondence and files and leaves for lectures as and when he likes without asking for permission from his superiors. Worst still, he does not delegate his functions and powers to his deputy (the GSO2) thereby stalling and delaying the execution of all programmes at the school.
As if to show where power lies, Col Nutakor has arrogated to himself the use of an official vehicle meant for a Directing Staff from South Africa who unfortunately could not turn up this academic year. The Nissan salon car with registration number GN 8132 Y is being used by Col Nutakor with impunity instead of being reserved for the future use of a South African officer.
What the other officers are wondering over is that if it has become necessary for the vehicle to be used then why would it not be the Director of Studies who is the third in command at the College but Col Nutakor who is even a junior to the Chief Instructors of the Army and Airforce?
Well, the most reprehensible of all the acts of Col Nutakor has to do with the recent study tour of the college to four African countries. Col Nutakor was to lead the team to the Republic of Benin but surreptitiously declined to go because he had to prepare for and write his end of semester and year exams at the law faculty.
Even though Col Nutakor did not participate in the study tour, he signed for an amount of three thousand US dollars. Additionally, he signed for an accountable imprest of five thousands US dollars meant for the team and pocketed another three thousand dollars out of it leaving a balance of two thousand dollars only for the commanding officer of the college who he instructed to lead the team in his absence.
A verification at the office of the financial controller at the college confirmed that indeed, Col Nutakor signed for five thousand dollars but gave only two thousand to the commanding officer claiming that the three thousand dollars was for “admin” and that all the team leaders were to take three thousand out of their imprest accounts for ‘admin” of their superior officers at the College, Services Headquarters and the General Headquarters.
The pocketing of the amount by Col Nutakor has seriously worsened the level of morale and brought disaffection at the college.
Other allegations that are rife at the College centre on the divisions in and factions at the College especially amongst the Academic Staff. The divisions are on tribal and political lines. The Akan officers on the directing staff are generally seen as NPP members while the Ewes, Northerners and Gas pride themselves as NDC members.
As soon as a new member of Directing Staff arrives at the College, he is asked whether he is a member of the NPP or the NDC. Col Nutakor is the one allegedly promoting and fanning the political and tribal divisions in and factions at the college. All the NDC officers are allegedly under the command and control of Col Nutakor who is alleged to be receiving financial and other incentives from the blue gate and sharing them to the members whereas those perceived to be NPP sympathizers are not cared for.
Furthermore, there has been an observation that all lucrative course packages run by or sponsored by the British, other foreign countries and the National Security Secretariat are coordinated by only members of the Col Nutakor-led faction.
It is alleged that an audit from castle recently discovered that an amount of twenty thousand Ghana Cedis cannot be accounted for in relation to a course run last year (2009).
Col Chris Nutakor who hails from the Volta Region has usurped the powers of the Commandant to the chagrin of all well meaning officers and men of the college. It is Col Chris Nutakor who “moves” and “unmoves” the college.
Most officers and men in the college fear him including the Commandant, Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies. They all fear Col Chris Nutakor because he frequents the corridors of power at the Castle and blue gate and nobody wants to lose their appointments as he intermittently warns and threatens.
There was one such occasion when he caused the Deputy Commandant to call an emergency meeting of the chief instructors of Army, Navy and Airforce faculties, the Director of Studies (DOS) and the Members of the Directing Staff.
At the said meeting, after a brief introduction by the Deputy Commandant, One Star Hope Agbenuzah, Col Chris Nutakor went into tantrums saying that some officers had been going round spreading false information that he was the real commandant, commanding and controlling the College and charged offensively on the officers.
The Director of Studies, who is a very senior Colonel, could no longer bear the insubordination of Colonel Nutakor and replied in a very firm and decisive manner to the admiration of all officers.
The DOS retorted that the widely held opinion that he was de facto Commandant was true and backed his assertion with pieces of evidence in a chronological order. The summary of DOS’remarks was that Col Nutakor was holding the college to ransom.
As the GSO1, Col Nutakor is supposed to be the principal Staff Officer to the Commandant to coordinate activities at the College. Rather, Col Nutakor spends more of his time at the Law faculty of the University of Ghana where he is pursuing an LLB programme with Naval Commodore Biekro, the Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Moreover, in the case of Col Nutakor, he locks up the official correspondence and files and leaves for lectures as and when he likes without asking for permission from his superiors. Worst still, he does not delegate his functions and powers to his deputy (the GSO2) thereby stalling and delaying the execution of all programmes at the school.
As if to show where power lies, Col Nutakor has arrogated to himself the use of an official vehicle meant for a Directing Staff from South Africa who unfortunately could not turn up this academic year. The Nissan salon car with registration number GN 8132 Y is being used by Col Nutakor with impunity instead of being reserved for the future use of a South African officer.
What the other officers are wondering over is that if it has become necessary for the vehicle to be used then why would it not be the Director of Studies who is the third in command at the College but Col Nutakor who is even a junior to the Chief Instructors of the Army and Airforce?
Well, the most reprehensible of all the acts of Col Nutakor has to do with the recent study tour of the college to four African countries. Col Nutakor was to lead the team to the Republic of Benin but surreptitiously declined to go because he had to prepare for and write his end of semester and year exams at the law faculty.
Even though Col Nutakor did not participate in the study tour, he signed for an amount of three thousand US dollars. Additionally, he signed for an accountable imprest of five thousands US dollars meant for the team and pocketed another three thousand dollars out of it leaving a balance of two thousand dollars only for the commanding officer of the college who he instructed to lead the team in his absence.
A verification at the office of the financial controller at the college confirmed that indeed, Col Nutakor signed for five thousand dollars but gave only two thousand to the commanding officer claiming that the three thousand dollars was for “admin” and that all the team leaders were to take three thousand out of their imprest accounts for ‘admin” of their superior officers at the College, Services Headquarters and the General Headquarters.
The pocketing of the amount by Col Nutakor has seriously worsened the level of morale and brought disaffection at the college.
Other allegations that are rife at the College centre on the divisions in and factions at the College especially amongst the Academic Staff. The divisions are on tribal and political lines. The Akan officers on the directing staff are generally seen as NPP members while the Ewes, Northerners and Gas pride themselves as NDC members.
As soon as a new member of Directing Staff arrives at the College, he is asked whether he is a member of the NPP or the NDC. Col Nutakor is the one allegedly promoting and fanning the political and tribal divisions in and factions at the college. All the NDC officers are allegedly under the command and control of Col Nutakor who is alleged to be receiving financial and other incentives from the blue gate and sharing them to the members whereas those perceived to be NPP sympathizers are not cared for.
Furthermore, there has been an observation that all lucrative course packages run by or sponsored by the British, other foreign countries and the National Security Secretariat are coordinated by only members of the Col Nutakor-led faction.
It is alleged that an audit from castle recently discovered that an amount of twenty thousand Ghana Cedis cannot be accounted for in relation to a course run last year (2009).
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT STINK AT AMA!
THERE IS A HEAVY STINK permeating the corridors of the Accra Metropolitan Authority (AMA) over the revelations that the bearded Municipal Chief Executive, Dr. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, has handed over a juicy contract worth millions of dollars to a company without going through due process.
The details of the chubby contract awarded by the Mayor, Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuige to SW Global Limited are just emerging, but already, leading figures in the assembly are raising hell over the contract, with some disputing whether any such contract has been signed due to the magnitude of the contract.
The contract to SW Global is to provide software to support the former’s initiative of implementing the business operating license regime, but many in the assembly are raising concern about the fact that it id not go through tender.
It has also emerged that some stake-holders in the Assembly are not enthused about the manner in which the contract was given out without their knowledge, particularly since it was not advertised, there was no tender, and only one company was allowed to do a presentation on it to the assembly.
So far, it has emerged that the agreement between the AMA and SW Global Limited was signed on the 24th day of January 2010.
According to the terms of the contract, it shall be for seven (7) years from the ‘Effective Date’ and shall be renewable upon written notification by either party, not later than six (6) calendar months prior to the end of the Term.
Interestingly, the AMA cannot terminate the Agreement but if SWG determines that there are insufficient sources of revenue to recoup the cost of deployment of infrastructure and costs associated, “SWG reserves the Right to terminate this Agreement upon sixty (60) days written notice’.
Yesterday when this blog contacted the Presiding Member of the Assembly on phone and after a brief introduction and asking the relevant questions, he said, “I don’t know the one I am speaking to, come to my office and let’s talk. The question you are asking I need to know the one I am talking to.”
A certain Mr. Robert Ansah who claims to be an Adviser to the Mayor told this blog to seek clarification with the Mayor before he speak or better still contact the Legal Department of the Assembly.
“I am privileged to have that information, but I am not allowed to share it,” he said.
He continued that ‘do you understand, if I did have the information or whatever information I have from the Mayor, I am not at liberty to share it except on his express permission so if you needed me to desperately to speak with, you might need to call the Mayor and get permission and I could talk to you’.
The Revenue Chairman told this blog that he was only ready to talk if a representative comes to the offices of the AMA located off Asafoatse Nettey Road, High Street but not on phone.
Mr. Adu of the Procurement section of the Assembly said he was on his sick bed saying “I have just had surgery and I am not supposed to be talking, when I get to the office next week, come and let me explain issues to you’.
We gather from a source that it is true a company has been contracted to install software that will help the Assembly boost its revenue generation.
Asked whether due diligence was done he answered in the affirmative saying ‘nothing was done…. no feasibility was done and the Assembly under Oko is flouting the procurement law with impunity’.
The details of the chubby contract awarded by the Mayor, Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuige to SW Global Limited are just emerging, but already, leading figures in the assembly are raising hell over the contract, with some disputing whether any such contract has been signed due to the magnitude of the contract.
The contract to SW Global is to provide software to support the former’s initiative of implementing the business operating license regime, but many in the assembly are raising concern about the fact that it id not go through tender.
It has also emerged that some stake-holders in the Assembly are not enthused about the manner in which the contract was given out without their knowledge, particularly since it was not advertised, there was no tender, and only one company was allowed to do a presentation on it to the assembly.
So far, it has emerged that the agreement between the AMA and SW Global Limited was signed on the 24th day of January 2010.
According to the terms of the contract, it shall be for seven (7) years from the ‘Effective Date’ and shall be renewable upon written notification by either party, not later than six (6) calendar months prior to the end of the Term.
Interestingly, the AMA cannot terminate the Agreement but if SWG determines that there are insufficient sources of revenue to recoup the cost of deployment of infrastructure and costs associated, “SWG reserves the Right to terminate this Agreement upon sixty (60) days written notice’.
Yesterday when this blog contacted the Presiding Member of the Assembly on phone and after a brief introduction and asking the relevant questions, he said, “I don’t know the one I am speaking to, come to my office and let’s talk. The question you are asking I need to know the one I am talking to.”
A certain Mr. Robert Ansah who claims to be an Adviser to the Mayor told this blog to seek clarification with the Mayor before he speak or better still contact the Legal Department of the Assembly.
“I am privileged to have that information, but I am not allowed to share it,” he said.
He continued that ‘do you understand, if I did have the information or whatever information I have from the Mayor, I am not at liberty to share it except on his express permission so if you needed me to desperately to speak with, you might need to call the Mayor and get permission and I could talk to you’.
The Revenue Chairman told this blog that he was only ready to talk if a representative comes to the offices of the AMA located off Asafoatse Nettey Road, High Street but not on phone.
Mr. Adu of the Procurement section of the Assembly said he was on his sick bed saying “I have just had surgery and I am not supposed to be talking, when I get to the office next week, come and let me explain issues to you’.
We gather from a source that it is true a company has been contracted to install software that will help the Assembly boost its revenue generation.
Asked whether due diligence was done he answered in the affirmative saying ‘nothing was done…. no feasibility was done and the Assembly under Oko is flouting the procurement law with impunity’.
Monday, June 7, 2010
11 COMPANIES BOUGHT RICE WITHOUT TENDER!
The investigator from the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) who investigated the charges of financial loss affecting former Foreign Minister Mr. Akwasi Osei Agyei, has said that eleven out of the 28 companies that bought the rice were not part of the original tender to sell the rice!
He has also said, under cross-examination that some of the companies that bought the rice bought them at quotations lower than those quoted in their bids.
Mr. Akwasi Osei Agyei, former Foreign Minister under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, and Mr. Charles Gyimah, former Chief Executive Officer of the National Investment Bank, are standing trial before a Fast Track High Court in Accra on charges related to causing financial loss, and diversion of 300, 000 bags of rice imported from India.
Under cross examination by Colonel (Rtd) Johnson, the counsel for Mr. Charles Gyimah, the witness said that several companies that won the bid to buy the rice were not part of the original set of companies that put in tenders to buy the rice.
He said that even though 38 companies put in bids to buy the rice and 28 companies were finally shortlisted, eleven of those that actually bought the rice did not put in tenders or quotations at all, but bought some of the rice all the same.
Again, he said under cross-examination that some of the companies that bought the rice bought them at prices that are lower than those quoted in the bids.
The witness Godfred Agyapong, under further cross-examination said that the investigation was conducted by a team of seven investigators in his outfit. He remembered the names of five of them, and said that interrogation of a witness was done by one officer who was not part of the investigators.
He said that the Ministry of Trade and Industry had expressed interest in importing the rice at a point. He did not take a statement from the former Minister of Trade and Industry under whose tenure the whole business commenced, he told the court.
Mr. Agyapong said that he did not conduct the entire investigation and so cannot speak to all aspects of the case. He told the court that he had concluded that there was financial loss.
Counsel told witness repeatedly that he was confused when he said that he did not come across any evidence suggesting that the importation was ordered by President Kufuor. This is because he had a statement from one Mr. Sarpong Ampratwum of NIB suggesting that the importation was ordered by the former President.
He said that he did not take a statement from President Kufuor, or the High Commissioner from India.
He said that he did not investigate a memorandum from Cabinet on the rice issue.
At a point the witness said that he did not know in answer to a question, prompting a statement from the lawyer to the effect that there are a lot of things he did not know as an investigator.
He said that by the time the rice arrived at the Tema Harbour Mr. Charles Gyimah was no longer the Chief Executive of NIB. He said that the rice was sold by a committee at the bank, of which Mr. Gyimah was not a part. He said that when the rice arrived at the ports the NIB took charge of the rice, but when they informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs they told them that they had not imported any rice.
He said that at the time that the rice was being sold the 2nd accused person was not in office at the NIB.
Cross-examination continues on June 17.
He has also said, under cross-examination that some of the companies that bought the rice bought them at quotations lower than those quoted in their bids.
Mr. Akwasi Osei Agyei, former Foreign Minister under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, and Mr. Charles Gyimah, former Chief Executive Officer of the National Investment Bank, are standing trial before a Fast Track High Court in Accra on charges related to causing financial loss, and diversion of 300, 000 bags of rice imported from India.
Under cross examination by Colonel (Rtd) Johnson, the counsel for Mr. Charles Gyimah, the witness said that several companies that won the bid to buy the rice were not part of the original set of companies that put in tenders to buy the rice.
He said that even though 38 companies put in bids to buy the rice and 28 companies were finally shortlisted, eleven of those that actually bought the rice did not put in tenders or quotations at all, but bought some of the rice all the same.
Again, he said under cross-examination that some of the companies that bought the rice bought them at prices that are lower than those quoted in the bids.
The witness Godfred Agyapong, under further cross-examination said that the investigation was conducted by a team of seven investigators in his outfit. He remembered the names of five of them, and said that interrogation of a witness was done by one officer who was not part of the investigators.
He said that the Ministry of Trade and Industry had expressed interest in importing the rice at a point. He did not take a statement from the former Minister of Trade and Industry under whose tenure the whole business commenced, he told the court.
Mr. Agyapong said that he did not conduct the entire investigation and so cannot speak to all aspects of the case. He told the court that he had concluded that there was financial loss.
Counsel told witness repeatedly that he was confused when he said that he did not come across any evidence suggesting that the importation was ordered by President Kufuor. This is because he had a statement from one Mr. Sarpong Ampratwum of NIB suggesting that the importation was ordered by the former President.
He said that he did not take a statement from President Kufuor, or the High Commissioner from India.
He said that he did not investigate a memorandum from Cabinet on the rice issue.
At a point the witness said that he did not know in answer to a question, prompting a statement from the lawyer to the effect that there are a lot of things he did not know as an investigator.
He said that by the time the rice arrived at the Tema Harbour Mr. Charles Gyimah was no longer the Chief Executive of NIB. He said that the rice was sold by a committee at the bank, of which Mr. Gyimah was not a part. He said that when the rice arrived at the ports the NIB took charge of the rice, but when they informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs they told them that they had not imported any rice.
He said that at the time that the rice was being sold the 2nd accused person was not in office at the NIB.
Cross-examination continues on June 17.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Immigration Arrests Ghanaians Over e-passport
The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service on Tuesday paraded two Ghanaians, Miss Hassana Ishau and Mr. Gabriel Ajah, for attempting to secure a Nigerian e-passport under false pretences.
The Comptroller, NIS Lagos Command, Mr. Lasun Olaitan, while parading the suspects before journalists in Lagos, said that Ishau was apprehended during routine interrogation of applicants.
He added that the female suspect, who said she was from Akwa Ibom State, later confessed that she was from the eastern part of Ghana. She allegedly said that she was aided into securing the e-passport by Ajah and a Nigerian, who is currently at large.
Olaitan further said that it was wrong for a foreigner to attempt to secure a Nigerian passport illegally without fulfilling section 27 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows citizenship through naturalisation.
He said, “In the course of administering passport issuance in Lagos, we came across the malpractices being perpetrated by foreign elements. We have been vigilant in issuing passports and our mandate is to issue passports to Nigerians alone.”
Credit: Punch, Nigeria
The Comptroller, NIS Lagos Command, Mr. Lasun Olaitan, while parading the suspects before journalists in Lagos, said that Ishau was apprehended during routine interrogation of applicants.
He added that the female suspect, who said she was from Akwa Ibom State, later confessed that she was from the eastern part of Ghana. She allegedly said that she was aided into securing the e-passport by Ajah and a Nigerian, who is currently at large.
Olaitan further said that it was wrong for a foreigner to attempt to secure a Nigerian passport illegally without fulfilling section 27 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows citizenship through naturalisation.
He said, “In the course of administering passport issuance in Lagos, we came across the malpractices being perpetrated by foreign elements. We have been vigilant in issuing passports and our mandate is to issue passports to Nigerians alone.”
Credit: Punch, Nigeria