NPP chairman wants 10% Kickback Reinstated

The 10% syndrome which characterised the award of contracts in the previous regime is steadily creeping back into the body politic.

The NPP constituency chairman for Atebubu South, Nana Owusu Gyamfi has recommended the introduction of the payment of at least 5% of all contract sums by contractors as a way of funding party activities.

He told a general meeting of party members at the Atebubu Secondary school last Thursday April17, that " any contractor who is not prepared to pay the 5% of the total contract sum into party coffers would not be awarded any contract."

The suggestion of the constituency chairman, who doubles as the Akyeamehene of the Atebubu traditional Council has raised eyebrows among party followers in view of the president's declaration of zero tolerance for corruption.

Chronicle sources at Atebubu have questioned the involvement of Nana Gyamfi in party politics against the provisions of Article 276(1) of the 1992 Constitution which bars chiefs from active politics.

They have also questioned how the NPP chairman could influence the award of contracts when he is not a member of the Tender Board which basically has the exclusive right to award contracts.

While condemning his position, party faithfuls say Nana Gyamfi's suggestion would go to discredit the NPP party hierarchy.

Nana Gyamfi in a telephone conversation admitted having addressed party members at such a meeting on the said date.

He, however, denied suggesting that contractors should pay 5% of all contract sums into party coffers. He claimed he only advised party members to adopt means of raising funds to support party activities in the constituency.

Nana Gyamfi also said the meeting adopted an Action Plan to intensify campaign since the constituency was an NDC stronghold.

The constituency chairman's declaration is coming five months after his restoration to the position. He had been suspended for the initial anti party moves against the nomination and appointment of a district chief executive for the district.