EDIF Mango project

PRESS RELEASE- EDIF MANGO PROJECT

In conformity with the commitment made at the press conference on in October, 2011, to put into the public domain findings of investigations into the actions of the officers who were interdicted after the initial special investigative report into the EDIF Mango project, the Board of Directors wish to provide the following update for the benefit of the public.

The Board wishes to thank the press for their patience during the period of the investigation so far, and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Background

The Export Development Investment Fund, (EDIF) was established by Act 582 on October 4th 2000 to provide financial resources for the development and promotion of the export trade of Ghana. The Fund provides funds on concessionary terms for the development and promotion of the country’s non- traditional export sector.

The mandate of the Fund was expanded in 2011 to include support for the processing of Agricultural produce, and will in future be known as the Export Development and investment and Agricultural Fund (EDIAF).

In 2009, EDIF embarked on a major program called the National Mango Plantations Development program. Under this program, EDIF intends to earmark a substantial amount of its budget to support massive mango production in the Transitional zone and the three Northern regions of Ghana. Farmers in these areas are to be assisted to intercrop Mango plantations with annual crops in order to enhance food availability, bridge the hunger gap and improve household income in the short to medium term.” This program was included in the 2009 National Budget, and is in support of the Government’s effort at reducing poverty and increasing the income for the poor in Ghana.

Following the detection of some irregularities in the disbursement of funds under the EDIF mango project, the EDIF Board Chairman in consultation with the Sector Minister, Honorable Hanna Tetteh, commissioned a Special Committee to review all the revelations of financial breaches at EDIF.

The findings of Special Committee led to the interdiction of three officers and a request for further investigations into the substance of the allegations by the Auditor General. Following agitation by some farmers the attention of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) was drawn to some potential irregularities in the supply of tractors under the EDIF mango project, and this led to their initiating investigations into the provision of tractors by EDIF to farmers under the project.

New Evidence of Gross Misconduct

Whilst awaiting the report of the Auditor General, additional information came to light indicating that all three interdicted officers had been involved in some actions related to the procurement and purchase of tractors under the EDIF Mango Project in a manner that had breached procurement laws and internal procedures, and had exposed EDIF to significant financial loss.

The three officers were each issued with a formal query covering their role in the procurement and payment process, and were given an opportunity to respond in writing, as well as in person, to explain for their conduct. The resulting information was then considered by the full Board of Directors for a decision to be made on whether further action should to be taken.

Decision of the Board

The Board of Directors of EDIF at their 93rd Board Meeting held on Thursday 15th March 2012 unanimously resolved to separate from the interdicted officers, Mr. Agyabeng Antwi-Agyei, Mr. Joseph Attah-Quansah and Mr. Kwabena Hemeng- Ntiamoah on issues of proven gross misconduct in accordance with the Conditions of Service of the Fund.

The BoardD is awaiting further evidence from the Auditor General on the quantum of funds mis-appropriated and evidence of personal gain (if any) to determine whether the officers are liable for criminal prosecution for their actions.

Signed Professor Francis Dodoo Chairman of the Board Dated 20th March 2012