NDC Smells a Rat In Acquisition of Police Cars

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has asked government to make available details of the transaction with Nigeria for the importation of some 400 Peugeot saloon cars.

President Kufuor last Monday handed over 50 of the cars to the police for patrol duties in the cities and highways, promising that more will be brought in soon.

The NDC group in parliament wants an explanation of the circumstances under which funds were secured for the purchase of the vehicles.

The member for Ave-Avenor and Minority Chief Whip told JOYFM that parliament has not approved any loan for the purchase as demanded by the constitution.

The member who said he supports government's resolve to equip the police administration called for the adherence to proper procedure in such matters.

According to him, parliament and the public have the right to know the terms of purchase, terms of agreement, if the vehicles were acquired with a loan, who authorized the expenditure among others.

Mr. Adjaho said since the NPP government claims to adherents of a policy of zero tolerance for corruption, there should be transparency in every transaction.

He stated that "clearly there is a problem here," and recalled the hue and cry over the NDC government's failure to seek Parliamentary approval for the leasing of the Gulf Stream III presidential jet.

That transaction had to be brought to the house later for approval.

Mr. Doe Adjaho has however been condemned by the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey for raising the issue in the media instead of Parliament.

The Minister who refused to disclosed the source of the funds when called up by JOYFM, insisted that the complainant should have asked the Speaker of parliament to invite the Interior Minister to the house to explain.