False And Malicious Publications By The “Al-Hajj” Newspaper

14th February 2012

False And Malicious Publications By The “Al-Hajj” Newspaper And Alhaji Bature

My attention has been drawn to publications by the “Al-Hajj” newspaper edited by Alhaji Bature and utterances by him. These publications, variously captioned “O.B. Amoah Blows 290K” and “O.B. Amoah Confesses......”, among others, have defamed, maligned and falsely accused me with the malicious intention of bringing my hard earned reputation into disrepute.

I state categorically that the said publications about me are without foundation, actuated by malice and calculated to cause disaffection towards me.

According to Alhaji Bature, I have benefitted from Alfred Woyome’s sponsorship during the past 2004 and 2008 elections and other political activities but had betrayed Mr. Woyome and become a traitor by “leaking” the contents of the Auditor-General’s Report for 2010 with respect to judgment debts.

Alhaji Bature believes that the payments to Mr. Woyome as stated in the Auditor-General’s Report would not have been noticed if I had been silent and shielded Mr. Woyome.

These assumptions by Alhaji Bature rather betray his lack of knowledge and understanding of the work of Parliament as well as his non-commitment to assist in protecting the resources of the state.

He also seeks to divert attention while resorting to personal attacks and unwarranted accusations.

As a Member of Parliament and former Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, it is my obligation to diligently assist Parliament in addressing issues raised in the Auditor-General’s Report, especially with regard to payment of judgment debts for the construction of stadia for the CAN 2008 soccer tournament.

I have been extremely candid and consistent since 2005 when I was Deputy Minister for Education and Sports, in my conduct and expressions of opinion as well as providing information on the issue of award of contracts and funding and construction of stadia for the CAN 2008 soccer tournament.

I have never condoned or connived with Alfred Woyome or any other individual or company in claiming any amount in respect of the stadia for which reason I should demand and expect any payment in cash or in kind.

I am fully convinced that the state did not owe any individual, institution or company for the so-called “financial engineering” regarding funding for the construction of the stadia and it is my duty to assist in arriving at the truth before Parliament or the law courts.

The attempts by Alhaji Bature and others to discredit me are calculated to dissuade and frustrate me from providing all the facts and information required to assist the state in the pursuit of justice.

I have insisted that in spite of my personal relationship with Mr. Alfred Woyome and his contribution to my campaign efforts in the past, the good people of this nation deserve to know the truth about the award of contracts, funding and construction of stadia for the CAN 2008 soccer tournament.

I wish to assure all that I am resolute in providing information and arriving at the truth in this matter. I will not be intimidated, cowed, silenced or blackmailed by anybody in continuing to assist Parliament, the Attorney-General, the courts and all other institutions properly mandated to handle this matter, to retrieve and protect what rightfully belongs to the state.

Signed: O. B. AMOAH (MP)

ABURI-NSAWAM CONSTITUENCY