Jinapor justifies ‘excessive’ expenditure by government

Deputy Chief of Staff, Samuel Abudulai Jinapor, has dismissed reports by the Minority that government exceeded and overspent in its expenditure for the year 2019.

Per budget estimates from government, GHS63 million was spent on foreign trips, GHS5.8 million on hotel accommodation in Ghana and GHS1.9 million spent on refreshments while GHS68.9 million was spent on operational enhancement expenses.

The Minority has however raised suspicions insisting that there has been some 'chop chop' in the expenses.

The Ranking Member on the Finance Committee of Parliament, Mr Cassiel Ato Forson said the President spent GHS62.5 million on foreign travels in the first nine months of 2019.

However, Abu Jinapor speaking to Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" Friday, said unlike the NDC, the ruling Akufo-Addo led government is interested in protecting the public purse.

“The amount approved for the office of the Chief of Staff sums up to the amount of GHS222 million. As we speak, the amount we’ve spent is less than the approved amount which is GHS168, 908 262.73...unlike for instance in 2014 where the budget approved for the office of the chief of staff was spent seven times over…" he explained.

According to him, “when we talk about refreshment, we are not talking about buying of drinks; it covers the president hosting of foreign heads of state, dignitaries…foreign expenses for travel covers the president, vice-president, other high-ranking officials of the presidency and even more importantly envoys. So, the mischief by the opposition will not work."

Correction: A wrong image was earlier used for this story. Instead of Hon. Samuel Jinapor's image, that of Hon Sebastian Sandaare, Member of Parliament for Daffiama-Bussie-Issa Constituency was used. GhanaWeb wishes to apologise for the inconvenience caused.