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General News of Wednesday, 17 May 2017

Source: kasapafmonline.com

Arrest me over bribery allegations – Yamoah Ponkoh dares critics

former Municipal Chief Executive of Ejisu Juaben Yamoah Ponkoh former Municipal Chief Executive of Ejisu Juaben Yamoah Ponkoh

Maverick politician and former Municipal Chief Executive of Ejisu Juaben Yamoah Ponkoh has dared anyone who believes he committed a crime by paying Gh¢300,000 bribe to assembly members in his bid to be MCE a second time, to come and arrest him.

According to him, he’s ready to submit himself before the law for his action.

The tough-talking member of the oppostion National Democratic Congress (NDC) was appointed MCE by the late President JEA Mills in 2011, however he was dismissed during the John Mahama administration in July 2015.

Mr Ponkoh lucky to have been renominated for the same position in March 2016 but was rejected twice by assembly members.

He revealed that he id his way through in order to occupy the high office of MCE.

“Even after they (the assembly members) took my money, they still voted against me…I took a loan to pay these members but they turned me down. I spent over ¢3 billion (Gh¢300,000) and I’m still paying.”

When the host emphasized he paid bribe, Ponkoh retorted “You can describe it as you want, these assembly members come from far places to meet and take decisions on nominees and some have to eat and drink water.”

He paid each member of the about 70 member body (assembly) Gh¢1,500 per round to be voted as MCE, but the members deceived him.

“It is not easy at all… I’m still servicing the loans.

A section of the public has called for Yamoah Ponkoh’s arrest for openly admitting that he offered bribe which is a criminal act.

But speaking on Anopa Kasapa on Kasapa 102.5 FM Wednesday, Yamoah Ponkoh stated that he’s not the only person to have paid bribes to secure a political position, saying the practice is still going.

“President Akufo Addo touts himself as a incorruptible person who will not counternance bribery and corruption, but under his rule his nominees to the various MMDAs are paying bribe to ensure they are confirmed by assembly members. Didn’t you hear what happened at Sunyani West yesterday, so why are people complaining that I paid bribe. They should come and arrest me, I’m ready for them.”