Ex-Minister denies claims he blew GHS16 million on parties

Former Local Government and Rural development Minister has rubbished allegations he misused an amount of GHS16 million meant for infrastructural development in the 45 newly created districts.

Samuel Ofosu Ampofo insists the allegation has no basis and has asked his accuser to cross-check his facts.

Ranking member on Parliament’s committee on Local Government, Kwasi Ameyaw Kyeremeh, told Joy News’ Parliamentary correspondent Elton John Brobbey the GHS16 million was spent on durbars and other inaugural ceremonies at the new districts.

He was yet to establish any element of embezzlement but stated emphatically that the money was completely misapplied.

According to him, residents in the new districts are complaining that they haven’t received their share of the common fund.

Kwasi Ameyaw Prempeh said the former minister will be hauled before the committee to answer how the money was used.

But Samuel Ofosu Ampofo has dismissed the allegations.

He told Joy News monies meant to be used to develop the districts are not disbursed through the Local Government Minister.

He explained the money is disbursed directly from the Finance Ministry into the accounts of the common fund administrator for use by the districts.

He said having being a member of the District Assembly, Kwasi Ameyaw Prempeh should have known better how the processes work.

According to him, not all the district common fund allocation for 2012 was even disbursed, adding part of the allocation is still with the Finance Ministry.

Samuel Ofosu Ampofo said he is ready to appear before any committee of Parliament to explain his side of the story.

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