News
CDD, MFWA, three other NGOs sue govt over GH₵1bn paid to SML
Five Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are seeking the recovery of over GH₵1 billion paid to Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).
Earlier this year, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo tasked audit firm KPMG to audit the transaction between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and SML.
This contract was aimed at enhancing revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals resources value chain.
The KPMG report revealed that the GRA did not obtain the necessary approvals from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) or Parliament for the contract.
In response to the report’s findings, the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Human Rights and Governance Centre, and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) have filed a lawsuit against the government.
Executive Director of MFWA, Sulemana Braimah, stated in an interview with Citi News on Monday that “I think that if anything at all we would say that it’s based on some of the findings of the KPMG report that required that actions be taken to ensure that what is due the state comes back to the state.”
He added, “It has nothing to do with being satisfied with the KPMG report. If anything at all that gave us a little more into what we thought were the wrong things that were done in relation to the contract.”
“We are a country that is supposed to be governed by law and laws are not made for the beauty of having laws. Laws are made so that things will be done properly. Laws are made so that there will be equity, there will be fairness, there will be justness and there be accountability and in our view, the award of the SML contract and the delivery of the contract had in our view a number of things that are at variance with the laws of our land particularly and specifically relating to public procurement, laws regarding parliamentary oversight and so on,” he said.
“Essentially we are saying if these laws were breached the right things must be done. If we’ve lost money as a result of these breaches, the money must be retrieved and sent back to the state. So essentially, we are saying the laws were not followed, monies have been paid and those monies must be brought back to the state,” he stated.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
News
Update Ghanaians on killers of Ahmed Suale within 48 hours- APlus tell Police
Member of Parliament for the people of Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, affectionately called APlus has given the Ghana Police Service a 48-hour ultimatum.
According to him, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director has within that period to brief the nation on the update of the killers of late investigative journalist, Ahmed Suale.
In a post on his Facebook page yesterday, he stated “Last year, I was invited to the CID headquarters to provide information regarding the murder of Ahmed Suale. During the meeting, I identified a high-profile minister from the previous government who was allegedly involved in contracting assailants to carry out the crime. I also disclosed my source, a highly credible one, in the presence of the CID director.”
He added “It is critical that the CID director updates the public on the progress of the investigation and indicate with justification whether additional time is required.”
Against this backdrop, he pointed out that “At this point, it appears the matter has been sidelined. If no update is provided within 48 hours, I will invoke my authority as a Member of Parliament to formally summon the Ghana Police Service to brief Parliament on this case.”
“Should that fail, I will utilize my Facebook and other social media platforms to update the nation on what I know about the matter which shall include the name of the alleged perpetrator.Thank you,” he concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Ghana National Service takes bold steps to protect markets from fires
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), in line with its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, has issued new directives aimed at enhancing fire safety in the
country’s major markets.
The country, in recent times has experienced some market fires, a situation that prompted leaders to take swift steps.
Against this backdrop, the Chief Fire Officer, Julius A. Kuunuor, has instructed that “Personnel and fire appliances be deployed at various markets across the country from
1800 hours to 0600 hours daily to provide round-the-clock fire cover.”
“A dedicated task force will patrol the markets daily to ensure swift action in case of any fire outbreaks and to provide constant vigilance,” the directive added.
It added that the GNFS will establish fire units/posts in key markets across the country to intensify fire safety education, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance with fire safety protocols.
“All GNFS personnel assigned to market protection duties will submit daily Situation Reports (SITREPS) to the National Heacquarters Operations (NHQ OPS INFO) platform
at 0900 hours for further review and action,” the directive added.
“The GNFS will work closely with market authorities, the Ghana Police Service and National Security to ensure effective surveillance, protection, and quick response to any fire-related incidents,” it concluded.
