Scandals Galore - NPP Corruption Exposure Now Begin

The “Evening News” has finished doing the hatchet job on NDC appointees and it has turned the heat on the politicians of today – NPP Ministers and officials who have been described by their Press Secretary, Kwadwo Afari as “angels.”

It says knowing the “Evening News” style and its sources, it is also very clear that the recent “fingering” of top NPP Ministers in serious corruption scandals is the result of intrigues and infighting within the party as their leaders begin to jockey for positions in the run up to the 2004 elections and also to position themselves for 2008.

On corruption scandal No.1, Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi, Minister for Ports and Harbours was fingered in “The Evening News” of Tuesday, June 6, 2003, indicating that he gave huge printing contracts for the reprinting and supply of text books for SSS and Junior Secondary Schools which will last for about five years even though the syllabus may change.

Other allegations of fraud contained in the story has been cited in the paper.

The second scandal is about Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, former Minister of Trade and Industry and now Minister of NEPAD and Regional Cooperation.

He is reported to have diverted funds from the Ghana Free Zones Board (GFZB) where he was chairman of the Board of Directors, to set up a campaign office for his bid to be the NPP Presidential candidate in 2008.

In a related development, “Ghana Palaver” has learnt that Dr. Apraku is refunding some monies at his former Ministry for something that he did there.

Sources, however, at the Ministry have confirmed the fact of the refunds but are reluctant to reveal why the Minister is making the refund.