General News of Monday, 21 October 2019

Source: 3news.com

Conduct forensic analysis of ECG’s cash flow – Civil society group to govt

PDS took over operations from the Electricity Company of Ghana in February 2019 PDS took over operations from the Electricity Company of Ghana in February 2019

Civil society group Crusaders Against Corruption Ghana is demanding from Government, a “forensic analysis” of all funds that were withdrawn from ECG’s cash flow or borrowed on behalf of ECG to be analyzed, for President Akufo Addo.

The demand by the group follows a decision by government to terminate Power Distribution Services (PDS) concession agreement with the Electricity Company of Ghana, ECG.

The government insistence to terminate the contract contradicts the position of the US government who is pushing for the deal to be maintained. The US government argues the deal could save the $498 million compact with the Millennium Challenge Account.

The concession agreement was suspended on July 30, 2019, by government due to fundamental and material breaches.

According to Crusaders against Corruption Ghana, analyzing ECG’s cash flow forensically will play a crucial role in getting to the bottom of the matter.

“To ensure that all funds that were withdrawn from ECG’s cash flow or borrowed on behalf of ECG is analyzed forensically. We demand sight of the MiDA board Minutes over the past year, as the members were placed there on trust for the good people of Ghana, not for their own enrichment and self-interests.”

The group added, “That in replacing PDS, immediate plans must be instituted to open up the ownership of this new concession to all Ghanaians, and not limit it to just a handful of individuals and companies per Article 36 (6), which states that ‘The State shall afford equality of economic opportunity to all citizens…’”

It also wants government to avoid any form of restrictive tendering regarding the contract.

“To institute immediate plans to open up the ownership of the PDS company to all Ghanaians, and not limit it to just a handful of individuals and companies as previously done”.