Minority Leader is HOT!

Auditor-General asks Minority Leader to refund 66.8 million cedis

Accra, Feb. 8, GNA - The Auditor-General, Mr Edward Dua Agyeman has asked Mr Alban Bagbin, Minority Leader, to refund 66,860,237 cedis being unauthorised expenditure Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) made on his 1996 and 2000 electioneering campaigns.

An official report of a "Special Investigation Into Unauthorised Expenditure Made By The Ghana Ports And Harbours Authority (GPHA) On Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin (MP)" made available to the Ghana News Agency, said the GPHA allocated its vehicles to Mr Bagbin for his 1996 and 2000 electioneering campaigns.

Mr Bagbin, who was member of the Board of GPHA, was provided with drivers on each of the trips that lasted between eight and 10 days before returning to Tema.

All expenses incurred by Mr Bagbin on fuel, out-of-station allowance to the drivers were all borne by GPHA.

"In respect of the 2000 (electioneering) trips GPHA incurred expenses amounting to 3,992,907 cedis, including travelling and transport allowance paid to drivers.

The Report said in all cases Mr Bagbin did not make any proper application and there was no approval from the Management of GPHA for the use of the official vehicles for electioneering campaigns in the North.

It said on November10 1966 a Nissan Patrol with registration number GT 1640 D that Mr Bagbin used on private electioneering campaign in Nadowli, near Wa was involved in an accident at Wenchi-Awisa in Brong Ahafo Region.

The driver, Mr Felix Duho sustained serious injuries and was hospitalised at Wa and the vehicle was written off.

Mr Bagbin in his response to queries raised by the Auditors said: "if the current Management (of GPHA) disapproves of the privileges granted to former Board Members of the Authority, and we are called upon to refund the monetary value of such privileges, I would be prepared to pay back the cost incurred in all trips to my constituency using GPHA vehicles."

When the GNA asked Mr Bagbin whether he had received a copy of the Report he responded in the affirmative.

He challenged the method used to arrive at the figure, and accused the Auditor- General of trying to tarnish his hard earned reputation.

The Minority Leader has 60 days to pay back the amount.