Bagbin stands by allegations against jake

Ghana’s minority leader in Parliament, Alban Bagbin says he stands by allegations of financial malfeasance against Information and Presidential Affairs Minister, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey.

He claims, he has sufficient documentary evidence to support his allegations, and therefore calls on the president of the Republic, John Kufuor to interdict the Minister.

According to the minority leader, also MP for Nadowli North, the ?150 million allegation is contained in a letter dated May 8, 2002, in a document titled “Renovation Funds of ?150 million paid to Chief of Staff not accounted for” in which the Chief Director wrote to the deputy minister for Works and Housing reminding her of an outstanding payment of ?150 million in the name of Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey who was then the Chief of Staff, in respect of the renovation of the Castle, the seat of government.

Hon. Bagbin maintained that the ?150 million was received by the then Chief of Staff on two separate vouchers from the Contingency Fund meant for payment to the contractors who carried out the renovation works at the Castle.

This report, according to a story carried by “The Daily Guide” an Accra-based private daily newspaper, impresses on the deputy minister the need to retrieve the money so as to ensure speedy work and completion of work on the renovations.

The minority leader was reminded of a similar allegations he made last year against the Information Minister, who was president Kufuor’s campaign manager in the run-up to the 2000 elections that brought the NPP into power concerning the award of the same Castle renovation work which was found to be without merit hence the decision of both parties to settle the case out of court. “Bagbin shot back saying, that does not mean I don’t have the facts,” adding, “we settled it out of court because we had to withdraw the case.”

He insists that, “Jake himself is aware that when he (Bagbin) talks, he does so with facts.”

The minority leader, last year accused the Information Minister of allegedly awarding the contract for the renovation of the Castle to a close associate. Jake denied the allegation was true and therefore took the matter to court, but the case was later withdrawn and settled amicably.

Meanwhile, Jake is reported to have said that the minority NDC seems to be obsessed with him.

“The NDC’s obsession with the name Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey as the cause of their public relations woes may explain the party’s determination to rubbish and discredit me at the slightest suspicion or mistrust.” He added with his favourite phrase, “Insha Allah” (which literally means God willing) they shall fail.”

“I am indeed shocked by the so-called investigation by the NDC minority group which allegedly revealed that the said amount was collected on two separate vouchers and that all efforts by the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Works and Housing for me to account for the outstanding amount have proved futile,” Jake said.

Describing the NDC’s claims as malicious, mischievous and outright lie, the minister stated categorically, “I have not collected any such money as was being claimed by the NDC, I have not been paid any money as if I were a contractor, I have on no occasion been contacted by the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Works and Housing over any outstanding amount in relation to the Castle renovation.”

He noted that records available to him show that the ministry has received a full account on the issue.