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Tag: Atta Akyea

  • Parliament must uphold freedom of expression – Atta Akyea

    Parliament must uphold freedom of expression – Atta Akyea

    The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South in the Eastern Region, Samuel Atta Akyea, has voiced strong opposition to the idea that MPs should be forced to resign for expressing future political ambitions.

    He believes that treating MPs as “robots” who cannot reconsider their political trajectories is inappropriate, as reported by myjoyonline.com.

    During an interview on PM Express on Joy News on October 15, 2024, Atta Akyea addressed the recent discussions in Parliament regarding MPs announcing their intentions to run as independent candidates in the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections. He argued that such declarations should not be interpreted as a disloyalty to their political parties.

    Atta Akyea emphasized that Members of Parliament should have the right to express their future plans without jeopardizing their current roles.

    He referenced the announcement made by the Second Deputy Speaker, stating,“The issue here is that these MPs are addressing their future intentions. They’ve not said that as of now they want to abandon where they are for any other direction. Should it affect my current status if I declare my intentions for the future? I’ve not said now I’m crossing to another party.”

    Atta Akyea firmly rejected the notion that future aspirations should lead to immediate consequences like the removal of MPs from their positions. He argued that doing so would reduce Members of Parliament to mere puppets unable to think or change their minds.

    “What we are saying now is that they are not crossing the carpet yet. They are not saying that in this Parliament, they were sponsored by the NPP or came in as independents and now want to go to another party or stand as independents,” he stated.

    He further explained that intentions can evolve over time, and it is unreasonable to judge MPs based on potential future actions.

  • Owusu Bempah’s prophecies are not from God – Atta Akyea

    Owusu Bempah’s prophecies are not from God – Atta Akyea

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has dismissed recent prophecies by Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah, head pastor of the Glorious Word Power Ministries International, concerning the upcoming December 7 elections.

    According to Atta Akyea, the prophecies should be regarded as human predictions rather than divine revelations.

    On October 1, Rev. Owusu Bempah prophesied that John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), would win the 2024 elections. During a prayer session in Accra, the pastor claimed that God had decided to give Mahama another chance to lead the nation, describing him as a man with a good heart.

    However, Atta Akyea, speaking in an interview with AsaasePa FM on October 2, urged Ghanaians not to place too much importance on these predictions. He argued that elections are ultimately decided by the people at the ballot box, not by supernatural forces.

    “It is human projections, it couldn’t be God’s projection,” Atta Akyea emphasized. He encouraged voters to focus on policies and leadership qualities when making their decisions, rather than relying on spiritual claims.

    The MP also criticized Rev. Owusu Bempah for what he described as the pastor’s involvement in political matters. “I am sad because I know Rev Isaac Owusu Bempah, he shouldn’t have allowed himself to be used at an NDC political rally in the name of a spiritual gathering for such a message to come out,” he said.

    Atta Akyea further expressed his disappointment in the pastor’s recent stance, stating, “I am not happy Rev Isaac Owusu Bempah allowed himself to be contradicted in such a manner.”

    Rev. Owusu Bempah, once viewed as a sympathizer of the NPP, had in the past made similar prophecies in favor of Nana Akufo-Addo, even praying for him before he became president. However, it is now believed that the pastor may have had a falling-out with the current government and President Akufo-Addo.

    In conclusion, Atta Akyea reiterated that while spiritual leaders have the right to express their views, the democratic process should be allowed to run its course, with voters making informed choices based on the country’s needs and future.

  • I was really surprised – Atta Kyea on being snubbed by Akufo-Addo in ministerial appointments

    I was really surprised – Atta Kyea on being snubbed by Akufo-Addo in ministerial appointments

    Abuakwa South MP Samuel Atta Akyea has expressed his surprise at not being appointed to a ministerial role during President Akufo-Addo’s second term.

    Having served as Minister for Works and Housing and as a Cabinet Minister from 2017 to 2020, Mr. Atta Akyea had anticipated either being retained in his position or being reassigned to another role within the government.

    “You can never force yourself on a president to put you in his cabinet. I didn’t want to say I was peeved; I was really surprised,” he stated in an interview on Accra-based Class FM.

    Sharing his disappointment, the lawmaker said he was also shocked when there was no explanation from the President on his exclusion but there was nothing he could do

    “At least, the due courtesy of informing me that, ‘Atta, because of one reason or the other, I cannot sign you up again,’ given the family relations and also the professional relationship. I was surprised that I wasn’t even informed about it,” he added.

    However, Mr. Atta Akyea noted that, he bears no grudge against President Akufo-Addo.

  • Ghana’s future is with Bawumia and not “recycled” Mahama – Atta Akyea

    Ghana’s future is with Bawumia and not “recycled” Mahama – Atta Akyea

    The Member of Parliament for Akim Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has strongly asserted that Ghana’s future is securely tied to the leadership of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    He dismissed former President John Dramani Mahama as a “recycled” leader, offering little new for Ghanaians.

    Speaking ahead of the NPP’s manifesto launch in Takoradi on Sunday, Atta Akyea emphasized the impact the NPP has had on Ghana through transformative policies such as the Free SHS initiative.

    He believes that under Dr. Bawumia, the party will continue to deliver solutions that drive the nation’s progress.

    “After the manifesto launch, we should all see that the future of this country is not with the recycled Mahama but with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,” Atta Akyea declared.

    He credited the NPP with consistently introducing policies aimed at alleviating poverty, noting that their next manifesto would introduce even more comprehensive measures to help Ghana overcome its current economic struggles.

    “Anything of consequence that will bankroll poverty always comes from the NPP. So you are going to see another level of serious issues and a blueprint that we will depend on so that we come out of the current economic difficulties,” he added.

    Atta Akyea also took aim at John Mahama’s recent proposal to offer free tuition for level 100 students, criticizing it as shallow compared to the far-reaching impact of the NPP’s Free SHS policy. He argued that the NPP’s initiative is a long-term investment in Ghana’s development.

    “…You don’t have any sense of Free SHS, it came from the NPP and that is a paradigm shift. It thrives to empower the nation for the next 20 years,” he explained.

    In addition to highlighting the successes of the Free SHS policy, Atta Akyea hinted that the NPP manifesto would focus on digitalization as a crucial tool for transforming Ghana’s economy and addressing its challenges.

    According to him, this approach would be a “game changer” for the country’s future.

  • Atta Akyea, Patrick Boamah, land new role after parliamentary committees shake-up

    Atta Akyea, Patrick Boamah, land new role after parliamentary committees shake-up

    On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Parliament undertook reshuffles within its committees following the adoption of a report outlining the composition of Select and Standing committees.

    Formerly chair of the Mines and Energy Committee, Samuel Atta Akyea,now assumes leadership of the Local Government and Rural Development Committee.

    In a reciprocal move, Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi, previously chairing Local Government, now oversees the Mines and Energy Committee.

    Another significant change places Patrick Yaw Boamah, representing Okaikwei Central, as the new chairman of the Finance Committee.

    Additionally, adjustments have been made to committee sizes aimed at enhancing productivity and efficiency.

    Meanwhile, a contentious Legislative Instrument (LI) aimed at amending sections of the 2012 Road Traffic Regulations has been withdrawn from Parliament.

    Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, withdrew the LI on behalf of the Transport Minister, citing concerns raised by the public and stakeholders.

    He added that “the withdrawal became necessary based on extensive engagement with leadership.”

    He further announced, “Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that the Road Traffic Amendment 2024, which was laid on Friday, June 14, be withdrawn… it is so withdrawn.”

    The Ministry of Transport had previously submitted the Legislative Instrument to Parliament, aiming to amend sections of the 2012 Road Traffic Regulations.

    If approved, it would afford Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers of State certain privileges usually reserved for emergency and specialized vehicles.

  • Committee report on IGP leaked tape ‘so anaemic’, it must be rejected – Atta Akyea

    Committee report on IGP leaked tape ‘so anaemic’, it must be rejected – Atta Akyea

    The Chairman of the ad hoc committee investigating a leaked tape regarding a plot to remove the IGP, Samuel Atta Akyea, has criticized the committee’s report as lacking substance for parliamentary action.

    Atta Akyea asserted that the report, which implicated senior police officers for misconduct under police regulations, did not provide a sufficient logical basis for parliamentary endorsement.

    The committee’s unsigned report indicated that three senior police officers, COP Alex George Mensah, Supt. George Lysander Asare, and Supt. Emmanuel Eric Gyebi, were found to have engaged in misconduct, a significant breach of police regulations necessitating sanctions under the Police disciplinary procedure.

    He emphasized that the committee’s role is not merely to accept statements at face value but to thoroughly investigate matters.

    “I want to submit with the greatest of respect that this report reduced parliament and the good committee of parliament to a conveyor belt that anything they drop on it should go. You do not just listen to people who come before a committee and that will bring you to a conclusion of the matter. You delve into the matters. A committee of parliament is not a conveyor belt. They’re supposed to delve into this matter. And on that showing, this report is so anaemic.”

    “It lacks substance for plenary to find, with the greatest of respect any decision on it and to uphold this report. Yes. And I urge this House to reject this report because there is no foundation of evidence for this report. And we shouldn’t make a resolution based on such an anaemic report,” he stated.

    In response, Vice Chairman James Agalga defended the report, refuting Atta Akyea’s assertions as misrepresentations.

    He clarified that the committee had carefully deliberated and appropriately handled legal definitions, rejecting claims of inadequate investigation or misinterpretation of facts.

    “Mr Speaker, quite a number of issues have been raised, which constitutes a gross misrepresentation of the facts and of the report…in the course of the committee’s deliberations, the chairman had the opportunity to raise the arguments that he has canvassed before this house this evening that we could not elevate conspiracy to the level of our criminal jurisprudence under section 23 of the criminal and other offences act and we all agreed as a result of that intervention,” he stated.

    “Mr Speaker, if you look at the report, we did not use the definition of conspiracy under section 23 of the Criminal and Other Offenses Act. We borrowed the dictionary meaning of conspiracy and dealt with the matter as such,” he stated.

  • You lack constitutional understanding – Atta Akyea to James Agalga

    You lack constitutional understanding – Atta Akyea to James Agalga

    Chair of the special committee investigating a leaked tape regarding plans to oust the IGP, Samuel Atta Akyea, has rebuked Vice Chair, James Agalga, for claiming it was illegal to request the IGP’s call logs as evidence.

    Atta Akyea attributed the committee‘s alleged shortcomings to Agalga’s misunderstanding of the Constitution.

    Speaking in Parliament in Accra on Wednesday, Att Akyea said “We shall have the powers, rights, and privileges of High Court. So what are you saying that we can’t commandeer law? …So, what are you saying you don’t have the power.”

    “That is why you messed up. You didn’t understand the Constitution,” he stated.

    Atta Akyea further commented that the committee’s report lacks substance for any parliamentary action.

    The report, unsigned by the Chairman, disclosed that senior police officers COP Alex George Mensah, Supt. George Lysander Asare, and Supt. Emmanuel Eric Gyebi engaged in misconduct, a serious violation of police regulations requiring sanctions according to the Police disciplinary procedure.

    During parliamentary debate, Chairman Samuel Atta Akyea urged the house to reject the committee’s report, citing its lack of logical foundation.

    “I want to submit with the greatest of respect that this report reduced parliament and the good committee of parliament to a conveyor belt that anything they drop on it should go. You do not just listen to people who come before a committee and that will bring you to a conclusion of the matter. You delve into the matters. A committee of parliament is not a conveyor belt. They’re supposed to delve into this matter. And on that showing, this report is so anaemic.”

    “It lacks substance for plenary to find, with the greatest of respect any decision on it and to uphold this report. Yes. And I urge this House to reject this report because there is no foundation of evidence for this report. And we shouldn’t make a resolution based on such an anaemic report,” he stated.

  • Atta Akyea’s Committee over stepped their boundaries in plot to remove IGP saga – Kofi Bentil

    Atta Akyea’s Committee over stepped their boundaries in plot to remove IGP saga – Kofi Bentil

    Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, raised concerns that the Parliamentary Committee investigating an alleged plot to remove the Inspector General of Police overstepped its authority.

    He characterized the issue as “essentially gossip and slander,” emphasizing that the Police Service has established procedures for handling such matters, suggesting it was exaggerated.

    Criticizing Committee Chair Samuel Atta Akyea, he accused him of conducting proceedings in a manner that suggested he wielded unchecked authority.

    Despite the Speaker of Parliament’s specific instructions to Committee members, Kofi Bentil accused Akim Abuakwa South MP of acting in ways that suited his own agenda.

    “The specific simple matter does not take rocket science to determine, and the Speaker said we should at least do our official job about this because of the important people involved; so do AB and C… Atta Akyea actually just proceeded to hold a court, a full court trial, and then proceed to invite every and all persons to make all manner of allegations,” Bentil told the media.

    According to Bentil, “there was no fact to be established, which required the invitation of every and all persons to make all manner of spurious founded and unfounded allegations.”

    “The point I’m making is, when a committee is set up by the Speaker with a clear mandate to make groundnut soup, you cannot expand the remit to include making any other soup,” he argued.

    Following the submission of its report to Parliament, the committee has faced significant internal strife, highlighted by the Chairman’s refusal to sign the report, while all seven other members did.

    According to JoyNews sources, Samuel Atta Akyea disagrees with the findings and conclusions of the committee members, and he had advocated for inviting additional witnesses after allegations against the IGP, including accusations of overseeing extrajudicial killings, surfaced.

    However, the IGP has denied these allegations.

    It is also understood that Samuel Atta Akyea intends to present his own report to the House, outlining his reservations about the initial report. Furthermore, he has denied authorizing the report that was presented to the House.

  • Committee divided as Atta Akyea allegedly distances himself from ‘IGP leaked tape report

    The committee tasked with investigating the leaked tape containing allegations against Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, is divided over their final report.

    Chairman Samuel Atta Akyea has allegedly disowned the widely circulated report, claiming it lacks his signature and that he was not consulted on its conclusions.

    Atta Akyea, also MP for Abuakwa South, objected to the committee’s decision not to call additional witnesses to substantiate allegations, particularly concerning supposed extrajudicial killings under Dr. Dampare’s supervision.

    In response, Atta Akyea plans to present his own report, highlighting his dissenting views.

    This disagreement led Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh Dompreh to delay presenting the report to Parliament on June 18, 2024, as he lacked Atta Akyea’s approval.

    However, Kennedy Agyapong was later authorized by Atta Akyea to lay the report on his behalf.

    Meanwhile, excerpts from the report reveal that two police officers, Superintendent George Lysander Asare and Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi, were found to have lied under oath during their testimonies before the committee.

    “Supt Gyebi, during his testimony under oath on August 31, 2023, denied ever speaking directly to Chief Bugri Naabu on his phone or on the phone of Supt Asare. However, when he appeared before the committee again on October 10, 2023, he changed his earlier testimony and affirmed that he indeed spoke to Chief Bugri Naabu on the phone,” part of the report reads.

    The report quoted the senior police officer as follows: “And the question I quote ‘have you ever spoken to someone on Supt Asare’s phone who claims to be Bugri Naabu?’ And the answer I gave is incorrect. I answered no, and I want to change it to yes.”

    Regarding Superintendent Lysander Asare, the report noted that he falsely denied being present during a phone conversation between Superintendent Gyebi and Chief Bugri Naabu, a former Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) central to the leaked tape.

    “Supt Asare also, in answering a question under oath posed by Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu on September 4, 2023, on whether he was present when Chief Bugri Naabu spoke to Supt Eric Emmanuel Gyebi on the phone, responded in the negative. However, he changed his initial response to this question to the affirmative when he appeared before the Committee on October 10, 2023.”

    He is also quoted as saying, “Hon. Chairman, I want to change my answer to ‘I was there when they spoke’ because at that time the question was not all that straightforward.”

    The committee determined that the officers were in contempt of Parliament under Order 30 of the Standing Orders of Parliament (2000), as amended by Order 31 (f) of the Standing Orders of Parliament (2024).

  • Parliament to summon contractor over stalled $12M Pwalugu dam project – Atta Akyea

    Parliament to summon contractor over stalled $12M Pwalugu dam project – Atta Akyea

    Former Works and Housing Minister, Samuel Atta Akyea, has pledged to push for a parliamentary investigation into the lack of progress on the Pwalugu Dam Project since its commencement in November 2019.

    Mr. Atta Akyea expressed concern, like many Ghanaians, over the allocation of $12 million to the project without any visible results.

    He emphasized the importance of Parliament demanding answers from the contractor, stating that it would be more productive than politicizing the issue.

    “The first point of the engagement is to bring the contructor, maybe with the consultant as well, and then we begin to grill the contractor that having received $12 million, if there’s documentary evidence to that effect, how did you apply it. Why have you abandoned it? Sometimes, we colour everything as political. But some contractors too can be very funny.

    “They’ll receive the money and then probably they’ll abandon the project. I am not saying that is what the contractor has done, but let’s probe into what has happened and the first person we should engage is the contractor. Because the allegation is that it is not a politician who is a beneficiary of a million dollars, but a contractor,” he said on Monday.

    He added, “Let’s find out why has it not taken off. If it is somebody’s ineptitude, we will find out. If it is a defalcation of public funds, we will find out. And then we will be sure that this is the reason why a major promise of this government has not taken off.”

    Yapei-Kusawgu legislator John Jinapor has raised concerns over a project in the Talensi District earmarked for construction by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has not seen any development despite the NPP having just a few months left in its tenure.

    During a media briefing at the site this week, Mr Jinapor disclosed that approximately $12 million had been invested in the project, yet there is nothing to show for it.

    He noted that the contractor is missing, and parts of the site have been converted into farming areas by locals.

    On April 8, 2024, before the Public Accounts Committee, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, was unable to justify the $11.9 million paid to MS Power China International Group Limited for the Pwalugu Irrigation Project.

    According to Samuel Atta-Mills, MP for Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Constituency in the Central Region, no work had been done on the site.

    The PAC demanded documentation from the Bank of Ghana to further investigate these transactions.

    The Bank of Ghana eventually addressed concerns about the disbursement of $12 million for the Pwalugu Irrigation Project, despite the limited visible progress.

    The Central Bank clarified that the payment to the contractors, MS Power China International Group Limited, was made based on government authorization, and therefore, it could not provide additional information.

    Bernard Otabil, the Director of Communication at the Bank of Ghana, explained in an exclusive interview with Citi News that the Bank’s role as custodian of government accounts requires it to execute authorized transactions within its mandate.

    “We are the Central Bank, we are actually the chief cashiers of the government and we also hold all governments accounts. So, we would act on instructions that have been given to us. Once that approval has been sought and the project is started, then you would also have the role of the ministry of finance at some point, coming in to also look at what has been submitted and whether it is actually in line with what has been submitted with the contract that has been solely specified and when satisfied with the supporting documents that need to be presented.”

    “But finally, you will also have the Controller and Accountant General coming in and making that authorization for payment to be made and that comes to us.”

    “We will then go ahead to make the payment if the account is fully funded and therefore there will not be any form of disclosure on our part because it is the same. It is not different from any of the banking services that you are very much used to. In our unique position, we deal with the government and most of all the MDAs, but largely we are on the government’s side, we are the bankers of the government.  The government withdraws on its own account, let’s make that clear and nobody can issue a cheque on anybody’s account.”

  • Atta Akyea ‘clears’ SML ahead of Akufo-Addo’s decision on ‘GRA-SML GHC1bn scandal’

    Atta Akyea ‘clears’ SML ahead of Akufo-Addo’s decision on ‘GRA-SML GHC1bn scandal’

    Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) has garnered praise from Samuel Atta Akyea, Chairperson of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, subsequent to a committee visit to SML’s premises in Tema.

    Mr. Atta Akyea commended the establishment of the revenue audit firm as “world-class” and encouraged other stakeholders to visit the facility to assess the company’s impact on revenue mobilization in the country.

    The company has been under scrutiny regarding the necessity, cost, and duration of its contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for revenue assurance services in the petroleum and mineral sectors, sparked by the documentary ‘The GH¢ 3 Billion Lie’ produced by media entity The Fourth Estate.

    In response, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo directed advisory firm KPMG to conduct an audit of the contract.

    Mr. Atta Akyea, refraining from prejudicing the case, outlined the committee’s objective during their visit to SML:“We came here to familiarise ourselves with this matter… We want the President to complete his side and we will engage them; but I believe, so far, that this is a world-class set-up”.

    “We will not delve into the financials just yet because that is what KPMG is investigating… If you look at what they have here and they say this is a Ghanaian initiative, then we should give them a standing ovation. But if there is any impropriety, it will come to light later,” he remarked.

    Mr. Atta Akyea voiced contentment with the technological expertise demonstrated by SML and indicated that the figures reported by the GRA emphasized the importance of SML in the country’s revenue mobilization structure.

    Recent data from the tax authority indicated a noteworthy correlation between the substantial increase of GH¢12.9 billion from the petroleum sector and the commencement of the revenue assurance contract in December 2019, with formal operations commencing in June 2020.

    Nevertheless, the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee expressed disapproval of individuals who are discussing the sensitive issue and drawing conclusions without sufficient information.

    “What I hate is to try to do propaganda when you do not have the facts, and that is what some people are doing. Some do not have any clue as to what the company is doing, yet they have come to a conclusion already and for me, that is very sad. You do not run a nation this way, especially when there is a Ghanaian initiative,” he stated.

    He expressed the belief that more participation will be seen from across both sides of the parliamentary divide in addressing any outstanding issues.

    Employing the analogy of a kitchen, Director, Support Services – SML Ghana, Dr. Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, said there is enough evidence to show engagements with regulatory bodies. “The petroleum sector is a heavily regulated one and just as no one can just walk into your kitchen to cook, there is no way we could have started operations without the go ahead from all the key players,” she said.

    She was also confident that the next few weeks will not only vindicate SML, but further deepen appreciation for its intervention.

    Background

    In a December 2023 investigative report, The Fourth Estate alleged irregularities in a purported 10-year contract between SML, GRA and the Ministry of Finance, with an annual payment of US$100million.

    SML swiftly denied the claim, asserting that their contract duration with GRA was five years, not ten as alleged. The GRA, in a statement on December 20, 2023, corroborated SML’s stance, stating that proper procurement procedures were followed.

    Following sustained public discourse, on January 3, 2024, SML welcomed President Akufo-Addo’s directive to suspend its ongoing revenue assurance operations and undergo an audit of its contracts with GRA and the Ministry of Finance. President Akufo-Addo appointed KPMG, an esteemed audit, tax and advisory services firm, to conduct an immediate audit. However, the President extended the audit time-frame following a request from KPMG.

    Despite this, SML expressed confidence that the audit would provide a transparent and accurate depiction of its operations.

    The company has since filed a suit against The Fourth Estate, GH¢10million in damages, comprising GH¢1million for general damages for defamation and GH¢9million for exemplary damages due to the alleged reckless and malicious nature of the defendants’ reporting.

    Additionally, SML is seeking a perpetual injunction to restrain the defendants from publishing further defamatory material and a retraction and apology with the same coverage, means and prominence as the original publications.

  • We are looking at data to avoid propaganda – Atta Akyea on energy sector crisis

    We are looking at data to avoid propaganda – Atta Akyea on energy sector crisis

    Chairman of the Energy Committee of Parliament, Samuel Atta Akyea, has announced that the committee is prepared to investigate the cause of the recent intermittent power supply disruptions in the country.

    He emphasized that the committee will rely on data and facts, and will not entertain any attempts to politicize the issue of power outages.

    During an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, Samuel Atta Akyea stated that key stakeholders in the energy sector will meet with parliament’s energy committee on Saturday, April 6, 2024, to discuss strategies for addressing the power supply challenges.

    “It is important to know that the Energy Committee wants to interrogate this matter critically… We looking at data which is apolitical so you cannot come and do propaganda with facts, it won’t work,” he stated.

    Samuel Atta Akyea further said, “If you do not have the power, you can’t conjure some propaganda and noise to bring the power. So you need to own up as to why we are having this challenge then those who are experts will look at it and say look, these are the obvious challenges…these are the solutions.”

    The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Volta River Authority (VRA), Chamber of Independent Power Producers, Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Energy Commission, and Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, along with his technical team, are expected to participate in the meeting on Saturday.

    This development follows the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s directive to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to provide a load management timetable by April 2, 2024.

    Amidst growing concerns over persistent power cuts nationwide, some Ghanaians have called for ECG to release a load-shedding timetable. However, ECG’s management has maintained that the power outages are due to technical challenges and that no formal load-shedding schedule will be implemented.

    In response to public outcry, the PURC issued a directive on March 18, instructing ECG to publish a load-shedding timetable by April 2, 2024. This move aims to provide clarity and transparency regarding the power supply challenges faced by consumers.

  • ECG may collapse if it fully enforces Cash Waterfall Mechanism – Atta Akyea warns

    ECG may collapse if it fully enforces Cash Waterfall Mechanism – Atta Akyea warns

    A legislator representing the Abuakwa South constituency Samuel Atta Akyea, has expressed concerns that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) could face collapse if it fully complies with the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM).

    The Cash Waterfall Mechanism is a government policy dictating how ECG manages its financial affairs. Atta Akyea highlighted that despite ECG’s efforts to increase revenue, the company has experienced a recent shortfall in revenue.

    Therefore, if the CWM prioritizes other energy companies over ECG, it could severely impact ECG’s operations and hinder its efficiency.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, March 30, Atta Akyea warned, “If we are not careful and we comply fully with the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, ECG will comatose because it doesn’t generate enough money to be operational”.

    He added, “You wouldn’t want to have a policy which is so stringent that ECG with all the challenges complying fully with the Cash Waterfall Mechanism will run aground and then have double trouble.”

    Despite these concerns, Atta Akyea supported the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) decision to require ECG to provide a comprehensive report of its operations to the energy regulatory body.

    “If we are not careful and we comply fully with the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, ECG will comatose because it doesn’t generate enough money to be operational,” he said on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, March 30.

    He added, “The regulator is actually a creator of law. If you pay regard to Act 538, there is nothing that PURC is doing which is untoward,” he said.

  • Provide a ‘dumsor’ timetable, electricity has no party colours – Atta Akyea tells ECG

    Provide a ‘dumsor’ timetable, electricity has no party colours – Atta Akyea tells ECG

    Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has called on the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to provide a schedule for the current power outages, known locally as “dumsor.”

    As the Chairman of the Energy Committee of Parliament, Atta Akyea highlighted the lack of prior notice from ECG regarding electricity outages, which often occur abruptly and disrupt activities.

    In an interview on Joy FM’s Midday, the former Works and Housing Minister expressed the need for a timetable to be made available.

    He emphasized that having a schedule would allow people to anticipate and adjust to the unstable electricity supply, enabling them to plan their activities accordingly.

    “People will plan around the timetable available, people will know whether to iron their cloths ahead of time, when they should cook and store it in the fridge,” he added.

    Mr. Akyea emphasized the importance of ECG providing a timetable for the power outages, stating that Ghanaians would prefer having a schedule rather than experiencing random power cuts whenever ECG wishes to turn off the lights. He highlighted that the current practice of unpredictable power cuts is highly undesirable.

    “So no matter the permutation, I’m of the humble view that we need a timetable, until the situation will normalise, then you take off the timetable.”

    While government officials have mostly avoided acknowledging the challenges in the power sector, Mr. Atta Akyea, a member of the governing party, has emphasized that electricity generation is not a partisan issue.

    “Electricity generation has no party colours. I want to stress that because at the end of the day if you are NPP you will consume electricity, if you are NDC you will consume electricity, so it only professional to say we are having challenges, but because of the hard fact that we don’t want to inconvenience you unduly, this is the plan, you can enjoy electricity at this time, then people will plan around the timetable available” he argued.

  • Ignore the propaganda; SML doing world-class monitoring for Ghana – Atta Akyea

    Ignore the propaganda; SML doing world-class monitoring for Ghana – Atta Akyea

    The Chairman of Parliament’s Mines and Energy Committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, has dismissed allegations of cheating in the GRA-SML contract as mere propaganda.

    These allegations arose following an investigative report by the Fourth Estate in December 2023.

    SML, in response to the report, denied claims of a 10-year contract, stating that the agreement spanned 5 years. They also refuted accusations of siphoning $100 million annually from the deal.

    During a visit to the Tema division of SML for fact-finding purposes, Atta Akyea advised against hastily branding the contract as a channel for political corruption.

    He emphasized the importance of awaiting the findings from President Akufo-Addo’s initiative and engaging formally based on KPMG’s assessment.

    “The committee is very careful not to prejudice what President Akufo-Addo is trying to do. Let Jubilee House come out with their findings based on what KPMG will say, we will engage them formally. What I hate is to try and do propaganda when you don’t have the facts and that is what some people are doing.

    “A lot of people don’t have any clue as to what these individuals, this company is doing, yet they come to conclusions and for me, that is very sad. You have not even gone to their data room to see what they are monitoring and the world-class audit they are doing, and you come to the conclusion that this is a conduit for political bribery and all the kinds of things people might want to say, it leaves much to be desired. Those who are interested in knowing the truth will know.”

  • Atta Akyea suggests MIIF CEO may face further inquiry on Agyapa Deal

    Atta Akyea suggests MIIF CEO may face further inquiry on Agyapa Deal

    Chairman of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, Samuel Atta Akyea, has suggested that Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), might be called upon to provide additional information regarding the $12 million expenditure associated with the terminated Agyapa Minerals Royalties deal.

    Atta Akyea noted that Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), where Edward Koranteng disclosed the expenditure, could request a more detailed breakdown of the spending.

    Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story regarding corruption and embezzlement allegations leveled by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Atta Akyea commented on the matter.

    “Matters of this nature touch on the public purse,” and hence should not be left to guesses or speculation as to where the money went.

    He suggested it will be prudent to bring him before “…the committee and he should give us the components of this huge sum of money and of course, there are members of the NDC on the committee and he could be drilled to bring understanding on the matter.”

    However, Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer of the NDC, asserts that the reckoning for those implicated in the establishment of the Agyapa Royalties scheme is imminent.

    He emphasizes the NDC’s unwavering commitment to recovering all funds expended on the project.

    “The OSP was very clear that the Agyapa deal was illegal because it breached the Public Procurement Act. He said the whole transaction was filled with procurement rigging. He raised issues about breaches and other things like the Public Financial Management Act and even violation of the supreme law of the land, that is the 1992 Constitution.

    “All the facts have been outlined clearly in the Corruption Risk Report published by the Office of the Special Prosecutor,” he stressed.

    Anti-corruption activist Edem Senanu, meanwhile, expresses shock at the funds awarded as consulting fees on the project in spite of public outcry.

    He maintains that more investigation into the deal needs to be started.

    “I believe the additional probe is very much needed. I am shocked and I am sure civil society organisations will also be shocked that any form of payment were made because we followed this thing closely. We were at the Ministry of Finance doing presentations, we asked for the assumptions leading to the returns that Ghana will have but they were not able to provide us.

    “We made our stance clear that this didn’t look like it was going to be in the best interest of the country, so it is shocking to hear that money was spent whether for consultancy or whether for an office premise.”

    Background

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ordered the suspension of the Agyapa deal following a public outcry in 2021.

    The government proposed the deal to raise funds through mineral royalties for key infrastructure projects but was eventually suspended after the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and some civil society organisations opposed it.

    However, according to the CEO of the Minerals Income Investment Fund, 12 million dollars was expended on the processes to issue the initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange before the suspension.

    Responding to whether the Fund did due diligence, Mr Koranteng said “My understanding honourable chair is that the Ministry of Finance procured the services of international consultancy and companies and financial institutions that have done this in the past and that the advice provided was what Ministry of Finance stood on.”

    “We started with the Ministry of Finance and from the documents that we have, it is clear that the correct advice was provided on the set-up of a gold royalties company where the streaming of the royalties would benefit Ghana.”

  • Agyapa deal not criminal; poor judgment or not – Atta Akyea tells NDC

    Agyapa deal not criminal; poor judgment or not – Atta Akyea tells NDC

    Chairman of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, Samuel Atta Akyea, has advised the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) against making divisive statements in its quest for political power.

    His remarks come in response to the NDC’s National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, who has vowed that a future NDC administration will take legal action against government officials and individuals implicated in the $12 million expenditure on the suspended Gold Royalties Monetisation Transaction, also known as the Agyapa deal.

    Mr. Akyea emphasized that while the opposition is determined to win the election, it should avoid making statements that could jeopardize the peace and security of the country.

    Speaking on JoyFM’s Top Story on February 19, he said, “Bear in mind that in this feverish pitch to succeed Akufo-Addo, NDC should not sort of make a fetish of every issue as if everything is criminal. 

    “This nation is not safe with this level of propaganda and press conferences are not just conclusive evidence of culpability and criminality as it were. I want to stress also let’s be careful. If there is a poor error of judgment in the investment in Agyapa, it will not be tantamount to criminality.

    The Agyapa deal was enacted through the Minerals Income Investment Fund Act, 2018 (MIIF Act 978) with the primary objective of leveraging the nation’s mineral resources to benefit its citizens and ensure the sustainable receipt of royalties from gold mining companies.

    However, the deal faced significant criticism and was ultimately suspended by President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2021 following concerns raised by civil society groups and the main opposition.

    During the same discussion, Mr. Gyamfi maintained that the investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor demonstrated that the Agyapa deal was not advantageous to the state, leading to its suspension.

    “If the Special prosecutor was not a court and the President does not agree with the position of the Special Prosecutor, why suspend the bill?” he quizzed.

    However, Mr. Atta Akyea argued that it would be more appropriate for the NDC to address the issue in court rather than assuming guilt on the part of individuals.

    “If you convert the thinking of NDC to the decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, we know what the law is like.

    “The accused persons will have a right to stand, they present the evidence and the rest of it, and it will culminate in a decision. If we don’t go this route and we still believe that in the name of propaganda, let’s turn the laws of Ghana upside down and in the convenience of a one-sided press conference let’s denigrate others, I am afraid that is not democracy, that is propaganda,” he added.

    Mr. Akyea emphasized that in criminal matters, the passage of time does not invalidate a criminal case.

  • Ghana will be in safer hands when Bawumia is voted in – Atta Akyea

    Ghana will be in safer hands when Bawumia is voted in – Atta Akyea


    Former Minister of Works and Housing, Samuel Atta Akyea, holds the belief that assigning the responsibility of resolving Ghana’s economic challenges to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would significantly benefit the country.

    In his view, the most suitable leader to address the country’s economic woes is the Vice President.

    Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Citi TV, Atta Akyea dismissed the notion that Dr. Bawumia, as the head of the economic management team, should bear blame for the economic difficulties.

    He argued that economic decisions are made by the President, not solely by the Vice President.

    Expressing his confidence in Dr. Bawumia’s capabilities, Atta Akyea stated, “This is the first time Ghana is going to have a president who is an economist, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    “If the problem of Ghana now and people are talking about its seriousness, I agree to a reasonable extent that the economy is not in its best form. When you have a toothache, do you give it to a carpenter or a dentist? Ghana will be in a safer pair of hands when we bring Dr. Bawumia.”

    He emphasized that Dr. Bawumia, as an economist, is well-equipped to handle the economic challenges facing the country and criticized attributing all economic issues to him as “cruel and vile propaganda.”

    “This is the first time Ghana is going to have a president who is an economist, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. If the problem of Ghana now and people are talking about its seriousness, I agree to a reasonable extent that the economy is not in its best form. When you have a toothache, do you give it to a carpenter or a dentist? Ghana will be in a safer pair of hands when we bring Dr. Bawumia.”

    “Ghana is going to get a man with shock absorbers, the finest gentleman, to help us solve a major problem facing us, the economy. He was in a very serious adversary role, which is what people don’t want to see. It’s cruel and vile propaganda for everybody to say that let’s place all the economic woes of Akufo-Addo on Dr. Bawumia. It’s unkind,” he said.

  • Resign and let Ghanaians have peace of mind – Atta Akyea tells Ken Ofori-Atta

    Resign and let Ghanaians have peace of mind – Atta Akyea tells Ken Ofori-Atta

    Member of Parliament for Akim Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has entreated Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to step down from his position, expressing the belief his resignation would bring peace to the country.

    Mr Atta-Akyea underscored the need for self-reflection on Ofori-Atta’s part, urging him to consider stepping down for his personal well-being and the overall benefit of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    During an interview with Citi TV on Tuesday, January 16, the lawmaker from Abuakwa South appealed to the Finance Minister to prioritize the nation’s interests and contemplate resigning from his position.

    “For me, what is very frightening is the fact that you have a whole army of people saying look you’ve had enough…I think that that could be a way for him to relax. Look at all the burdens on one man. So it is his individual decision to make as to whether he should go or he should continue.”

    “He should look at himself and look at the troubles that everybody believes, I mean when he is not there then the nation will have peace…He should save himself and save the government and have his peace because he needs it,” Mr Atta Akyea said.

    Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea (R)

    Calls for the resignation of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta have been growing for several months, primarily from within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been particularly vocal, consistently holding the Finance Minister responsible for the prevailing fiscal challenges.

    In response to these demands, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta expressed deep emotional distress and disappointment. Calls for his dismissal or resignation were met with a strong commitment to remain in office during an exclusive interview with GTV on Sunday, August 6, 2023.

    Despite feeling battered and broken by the protests, Ofori-Atta underscored his dedication to a singular duty – to continue serving his beloved country in its efforts to recover from economic challenges.

    He emphasized that such challenging times demand bold and courageous individuals who are willing to stay on and fight for the nation’s well-being.

    “In the period of censure, in which Parliament then voted against it, but more importantly, you were in a situation where you were battered and broken.”

    “And do not leave a ship at that time, and given the urgency of ensuring the IMF programme will get through, for me it was a duty to serve, and there was no running away from it,” Mr Ofori-Atta said.

  • Step down for your well-being – Atta Akyea to Finance Minister

    Step down for your well-being – Atta Akyea to Finance Minister

    The Member of Parliament for Akim Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, is urging Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to contemplate stepping down, emphasizing the potential benefits for both Ofori-Atta and the government as a whole.

    The calls for Ofori-Atta’s resignation have been escalating amid the ongoing economic challenges faced by the country.

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been particularly vocal in attributing the current fiscal difficulties to the Finance Minister.

    In a recent Face to Face interview on January 16, Mr. Atta-Akyea underscored the importance of self-reflection for Ofori-Atta, suggesting that considering his position would be in the best interest of his well-being and that of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Expressing concern over the mounting pressure on Ofori-Atta, Atta-Akyea remarked, “For me, what is very frightening is the fact that you have a whole army of people saying, ‘Look, you’ve had enough.’… I think that could be a way for him to relax. Look at all the burdens on one man. So it is his individual decision to make as to whether he should go or he should continue.”

    Atta-Akyea went on to suggest that Ofori-Atta’s resignation might contribute to a more peaceful situation for both the government and the nation, urging him to consider the well-being of himself and the government.

    Additionally, Atta-Akyea criticized those blaming Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the country’s economic challenges.

    Despite acknowledging that the economy is not in its best form, he described it as ‘unkind’ and ‘cruel’ to attribute economic issues in the Akufo-Addo government to Dr. Bawumia.

    Atta-Akyea insisted that the vice president was in a serious adversary role that hindered him from making certain sensitive decisions for the country.

  • Free SHS is good but Akufo-Addo fell short in promoting it – Atta Akyea

    Free SHS is good but Akufo-Addo fell short in promoting it – Atta Akyea

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Akim Abuakwa South constituency, Samuel Atta Akyea, has voiced criticism against President Akufo-Addo for not sufficiently promoting the free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

    Questioning the President’s approach, Atta Akyea expressed bewilderment as to why, despite substantial investments in the educational policy, there was a lack of significant publicity surrounding it.

    In a Face to Face interview on Citi TV on Tuesday, Atta Akyea characterized the President as a ‘bad storyteller,’ pointing out his failure to communicate the narrative behind the free SHS policy to the Ghanaian people.

    Observing the long-term impact of the policy, Atta Akyea acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that President Akufo-Addo had laid the foundation for the next two decades.

    He stated, “Even if it’s not perfect, he has given the foundation for this nation to take off. In terms of serious brain power in the next 20 years.”

    Atta Akyea also dismissed claims that the President had underperformed during his eight-year rule. He attributed challenges faced by the government to external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

    “I think President Akufo-Addo has been a bad storyteller too. There’s no president in this realm called Ghana, who said people should go to secondary school for free. Do you think it’s cheap?

    “I do not think he [Akufo-Addo] has underperformed. What I believe is that he has had a lot of trouble. People underrate the power of the COVID-19. President Osagyefo Nkrumah never faced that. The Russian-Ukraine war, in which the evidence is conclusive. The cold fact that economies contracted, because of these situations.

  • Akufo-Addo is doing his best as a president – Atta Akyea

    Akufo-Addo is doing his best as a president – Atta Akyea

    Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has lauded President Akufo-Addo for his performance amid numerous challenges encountered during his tenure.

    Akyea highlighted the president’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, unique challenges not faced by his predecessors.

    He specifically praised President Akufo-Addo for implementing the free Senior High School policy, emphasizing its significant future benefits.

    The MP also acknowledged the initiation of constructing a hospital in every district as a noteworthy achievement.

    Speaking on the government’s performance during an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Citi TV, Akyea defended

    Akufo-Addo against claims of underperformance, attributing the challenges to the global impact of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

    He commended the president’s governance achievements, emphasizing the importance of free education and the ambitious healthcare infrastructure development.

    “I don’t think he [Akufo-Addo] has underperformed. What I believe is that he has had a lot of trouble. People underrate the power of COVID-19. President Nkrumah never faced that. The Russia-Ukraine war, of which the evidence is conclusive, the cold fact that economies contracted because of this situation.”

    “I think that President Akufo-Addo has been a bad storyteller too. There is no president in this realm called Ghana who said people should go to secondary school for free. You think it is cheap. Even if it is not perfect, given the foundation for this nation to take off in terms of serious brain power in the next 20 years. I have not heard of any president who said every district should have a hospital. These are not low-cost governance achievements,” he stated.

  • The ‘most difficult vocation’ in politics is being an MP – Atta Akyea

    The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has characterized being an MP as one of the most challenging roles in politics.

    The former Minister for Works and Housing expressed concern about the substantial and unconventional responsibilities that accompany the position.

    During an interview on Citi TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Atta Akyea lamented the constant individual demands placed on MPs by their constituents, often at the expense of collective development and progress.

    Describing the situation, he stated, “As if you [MPs] were called to solve mass poverty,” emphasizing the persistent demands from constituents across the country.

    Reflecting on his own experience, Atta Akyea suggested that after 16 years, it might be a suitable time to retire from such a demanding role.

    He highlighted the unique challenges faced by Members of Parliament, describing it as the most arduous vocation in politics.

    He noted the continuous individual demands on MPs by their constituencies, citing examples such as being asked to purchase a coffin for a family in connection with a deceased individual they may not even know.

    “As if you [MPs] were called to solve mass poverty,” Mr. Atta Akyea bemoned the unceasing demands of constituents across the country.

    “I believe 16 years is a good enough time to hang up your gloves. I am not a young man. There is no more serious undertaking in politics than to become a Member of Parliament. I believe becoming a Member of Parliament is the most difficult vocation anybody can pursue; as if you were called to solve mass poverty, incessant individual demands on the MP by the constituency.”

    “For example, how do you feel about buying a coffin for a family in relation to a deceased individual you don’t even know?”

  • Don’t hold Bawumia responsible for Ghana’s economic woes, his VP role limited him – Atta Akyea

    Don’t hold Bawumia responsible for Ghana’s economic woes, his VP role limited him – Atta Akyea

    Member of Parliament representing the Akim Abuakwa South constituency, Samuel Atta Akyea, argues that solely attributing the country’s economic challenges to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would be unfair.

    Atta Akyea highlighted the substantial constraints faced by Dr. Bawumia in his capacity as Vice President, emphasizing that he lacked the authority to independently implement his ideas for addressing economic difficulties.

    During an appearance on Citi TV on Tuesday, January 16, the former Works and Housing Minister asserted that the ultimate decision-making authority on government policies rested with the President, not Dr. Bawumia.

    Atta Akyea defended Dr. Bawumia as an esteemed individual with the resilience to effectively serve the nation. He expressed confidence that, if elected president on December 7, Dr. Bawumia would be able to implement his ideas for the betterment of the Ghanaian people.

    “This is the first time Ghana is going to have a president who is an economist, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. If the problem of Ghana now and people are talking about its seriousness, I agree to a reasonable extent that the economy is not in its best form. When you have a toothache, do you give it to a carpenter or a dentist? Ghana will be in a safer pair of hands when we bring Dr. Bawumia.”

    “Ghana is going to get a man with shock absorbers, the finest gentleman, to help us solve a major problem facing us, the economy. He was in a very serious adversary role, which is what people don’t want to see. It’s cruel and vile propaganda for everybody to say that let’s place all the economic woes of Akufo-Addo on Dr. Bawumia. It’s unkind,” he said.

    Ghana has been experiencing a persistent economic recession, which prompted the government to request a bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

    As the leader of the Economic Management Team, Dr. Bawumia has come under fire for the country’s financial difficulties.

    However, Mr. Atta Akyea argues that it is wrong and ought to stop to place the blame on Dr. Bawumia.

  • Individuals blaming Bawumia for Ghana’s challenges are cruel – Atta Akyea

    Individuals blaming Bawumia for Ghana’s challenges are cruel – Atta Akyea


    The Member of Parliament representing the Akim Abuakwa South constituency, Samuel Atta Akyea, has voiced criticism against those attributing Ghana’s economic challenges to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    Acknowledging the economic downturn, Atta Akyea defended Dr. Bawumia, describing the situation as ‘unkind’ and ‘cruel’ to hold the vice president responsible for the issues in the Akufo-Addo government.

    Atta Akyea emphasized that Dr. Bawumia, being in a serious adversary role, faced constraints in making sensitive decisions for the country.

    Atta Akyea underscored the importance of electing the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer in the December polls to bring about positive changes in the country’s fortunes.

    He lauded Dr. Bawumia as a distinguished gentleman with ‘shock absorbers’ ready to serve the nation.

    “This is the first time Ghana is going to have a president who is an economist, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. If the problem of Ghana now and people are talking about its seriousness, I agree to a reasonable extent that the economy is not in its best form. When you have a toothache, do you give it to a carpenter or a dentist? Ghana will be in a safer pair of hands when we bring Dr. Bawumia.”

    Expressing concern about the economic challenges, Atta Akyea drew a parallel, stating, “When you have a toothache, do you give it to a carpenter or a dentist?” He advocated for placing trust in Dr. Bawumia, an economist set to become Ghana’s first president with such credentials.

    Addressing the criticism against the vice president, Atta Akyea denounced it as “cruel and vile propaganda” to lay all of Akufo-Addo’s economic burdens on Dr. Bawumia.

    During an interview on Face to Face, on Citi TV, Atta Akyea expressed doubt in the opposition National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) ability to manage the government’s educational policy, free Senior High Schools (SHS), citing concerns that they didn’t initiate the program.

    In the upcoming presidential election, Vice President Bawumia is vying for the presidency, challenging former President and NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama, who seeks re-election.

  • Atta Akyea, Dan Botwe to exit Parliament as they withdraw from NPP Primaries

    Atta Akyea, Dan Botwe to exit Parliament as they withdraw from NPP Primaries

    The New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary primaries are undergoing significant changes, with some experienced incumbents opting not to run for re-election.

    Daniel Kwaku Botwe, the Member of Parliament for Okere in the Eastern Region and Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has officially declared that he will not seek re-election, citing personal reasons for his decision.

    Additionally, Samuel Atta Akyea, MP for Abuakwa South, also in the Eastern Region, has chosen not to contest again, signaling a shift in the party’s dynamics.

    These departures leave constituents anticipating new representatives for these constituencies.

    There are also indications that the MP for Kwabre East, Francisca Oteng, may not seek re-election.

  • There’s no point begging Alan to return, he made a bad decision – Atta Akyea

    There’s no point begging Alan to return, he made a bad decision – Atta Akyea

    Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has declared unequivocally that Alan Kyeremanten’s departure from the party following his defeat in the presidential primaries was unnecessary.

    In response to the party’s decision to allow the four candidates to sign the pledge not to resign, he stated, “Every election has rules and regulations, and party members should respect and abide by these rules.”

    He went on to say that anyone who loses an election and leaves the party is not a good candidate or a trustworthy person who should be followed.

    He told the parliamentary press corps that “what Alan did was terrible.” When running for office, you should be aware that there are rules that govern elections. He didn’t have to resign from the NPP.”

    He also believes that individuals who want Alan to be talked to so he will return to the NPP should cease since it is unnecessary.

    He claimed that the fact that he left the party in the first place demonstrates that he was never a member of the party in the first place.

    “Why should we beg you to rejoin a party you claimed to be a member of?” Who should come up to you and persuade you to come back to the party?

    “Why should you leave the party in the first place if you were a member? Anyone who suggests that we must beg him to return is hazardous. “Leaving the party was a bad decision, and there’s no reason for us to go and beg him to come back,” he added.

  • How can you investigate the IGP? – Prof Smart lambasts Atta Akyea-Committee

    How can you investigate the IGP? – Prof Smart lambasts Atta Akyea-Committee

    A Senior Research Fellow of the Kumasi Technical University, Professor Smart Sarpong, has criticised the ahdoc committee set up to investigate a leaked tape that plotted the removal of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, for failing to execute its mandate.

    COP Alex Mensah, now retired and two other officers; Emmanuel Gyebi and George Asare, have been accused of plotting the removal of the IGP over the alleged difficulty the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would face come the 2024 general elections should he remain in power.

    The matter caught national attention, and Speaker Alban Bagbin constituted a committee chaired by Samuel Atta Akyea.

    For over a month, the committee invited the suspects and subsequently invited the IGP in for questioning after COP Alex Mensah accused him of gagging the mouths of his subjects, which he said has led to mismanagement of the Service.

    The inclusion of the IGP and the probe into allegations made against him, which veers off the mandate to probe the ousting of Dr Dampare have been highlighted by Professor Smart.

    In his submissions on Peace FM, Professor Smart noted that the Committee was not prepared to holistically probe the matter, but was just interested in the subject of the conversation.

    According to him, instead of probing the claims that the IGP had to be removed for the NPP to win the 2024 elections, the committee got attracted to other subject matters.

    “I don’t think they cared about a good investigative process. They just started with interest. They said if we go and vote, the IGP will determine who wins – then let’s call the IGP for questioning.

    “No wonder, when it got to a certain point, we had to call the IGP. On a normal day, the IGP who is supposed to be protected because some people were plotting against him, how was he going to be a subject of investigation.

    “I just didn’t get the questions thrown at him. They didn’t make up their minds to make any proper investigation. They got interested in other passerby issues,” he said.

    During the investigations, the chairman of the ad hoc Committee responsible for investigating the leaked tape revealing a plot to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from his position, Samuel Atta Akyea, has refuted claims of bias.

    This response comes in the wake of accusations of bias from Mr. Kwame Gyan, the lawyer representing the IGP.

    Mr. Gyan has expressed concerns about how Mr. Atta Akyea has been managing the committee’s proceedings, a sentiment he has held since the start of the investigation.

    During his client’s appearance before the committee, Mr. Gyan raised objections regarding the presence of COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent Asare, who had previously testified against the IGP.

    He requested that they be excused from the proceedings. However, Mr. Atta Akyea disagreed with the objection, despite a suggestion from Mr. James Agalga, the Ranking Member on the committee.

    Nevertheless, Atta Akyea dismissed the allegations of bias.

    Speaking to the media on October 10, at the end of an in-camera hearing by the committee, the Akim Abuakwa South Member of Parliament said “It is very disappointing for anybody to say I am biased. On the contrary, the generality of Ghanaians believe that I have steered the affairs of the committee well.

    “If anybody is having jitters, that I am going to manufacture evidence against the IGP, it does not accord with common sense.

    “Because what we are doing here is being recorded, so, Atta Akyea with whatever dexterity will not be able to improve upon the evidence,” he stressed adding that he was leading a fact-finding committee whose proceedings were being recorded and transcribed.”

    Meanwhile, the ad hoc Committee responsible for investigating the leaked tape revealing a plot to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from his position has suspended its sittings indefinitely.

  • Speaker prompted of Atta Akyea’s ‘bias conduct’ in IGP leaked tape probe

    Speaker prompted of Atta Akyea’s ‘bias conduct’ in IGP leaked tape probe

    The allegations of bias against the chairman of the committee investigating the leaked tape regarding the plot to remove Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from his role as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) do not appear to be subsiding.

    Several civil society groups, including Imani Ghana and CDD-Ghana, have chosen to report Samuel Atta Akyea to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.

    Following their meeting with the Speaker, the President of Imani Ghana, Franklin Cudjoe, stated that Mr. Atta Akyea has been diverting the committee’s focus away from its designated terms of reference.

    This deviation, he contends, has had a negative impact on the atmosphere and morale within the Ghana Police Service, necessitating immediate intervention by the Speaker.

    Mr. Cudjoe emphasized that the Abuakwa South lawmaker appears to be acting as both judge and jury within his own courtroom.

    “We wanted to find out from the Speaker what the original terms of reference for the Committee were. Because we realized that the Committee chairman seems to be setting his questions and answering them.”

    “The Speaker was categorical that well, look, I gave the Chairman of the Committee specific terms of reference. To get the authenticity of the tape, basically, those comments that were made and the persons who made them,” Mr Cudjoe said.

    Mr Samuel Atta Akyea has refuted the accusations of bias made against him. He contends that he has overseen the proceedings of the Committee impartially and without prejudice.

    “The word doctored I used is what did not sit well with him, but what I said is deduced from how it started. Was I not together with my committee members who afforded the IGP the best opportunity to speak to the press?” 

    Prior to this, Kwame Gyan, who serves as Counsel for Dr. Dampare, expressed his public disappointment regarding Mr. Atta Akyea’s leadership of the committee. He firmly maintained that the MP was treating his client unfairly. According to Kwame Gyan, the chairman, who should ideally remain impartial toward the witnesses, has exhibited clear biases.

    In an interview with JoyNews on Monday, October 9, the outspoken lawyer emphasized that Mr. Atta Akyea appears to be pursuing a specific agenda in this matter.

    “He has his agenda. He will be granting media interviews to the extent that after one sitting, he went out there and said the extended tape submitted by Bugri Naabu, which had not been played at the committee, has been doctored. Very prejudicial comments,” he said.

  • Alleged plot to oust IGP: Parliamentary Committee suspends sitting indefinitely

    Alleged plot to oust IGP: Parliamentary Committee suspends sitting indefinitely

    The ad hoc Committee responsible for investigating the leaked tape revealing a plot to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from his position has suspended its sittings indefinitely.

    Chairman of the Committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, confirmed the information during an interview on JoyNews on Wednesday.

    The in-camera hearing was slated to end on October 14, but the sitting has been suspended indefinitely.

    On whether the in-camera hearing will be protracted again, Mr Atta Akyea said, “It is not going to be protracted because right now we need to look at the evidence and most probably, start writing our report.”

    “Unless there are residual matters, if there are residual matters that we later discover after reading the evidence in cold print,” he added.

    According to Mr Atta Akyea, the members of the committee will listen to the audio in the committee’s possession on Thursday.

    “We are going to listen to audio tomorrow. All the members of the Committee have been summoned here to listen to the audio attentively. Now we will begin to internalize all that was said ,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Chief Daniel Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has stated that the private hearing conducted by the committee investigating the leaked tape concerning the plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has affirmed his stance that the audio recording was not manipulated.

    He asserts that both Superintendent Eric Gyebi and Superintendent George Asare have acknowledged the authenticity of their voices and the content of the conversation during the presentation of a new tape at the private hearing.

    Both Police officers, contrary to their earlier position during the public hearing, according to Bugri Naabu, conceded to the full details of their engagement with the politician as captured on the tape.

    Speaking to the media after Tuesday’s hearing, Bugri Naabu said “You were all there when they told the committee in public that I’m a liar but now before the committee they have all, including Gyebi, admitted their voices on the tape.

    “I want to tell you all that as a chief I don’t tell lies I was in my office and then these people came to say the things they said. I felt it was important for the state security and for the NPP government to know what they were doing in there so I taped them and went to give the tape to the president,” he said.

    He stressed “Now they have all admitted that it is their voice so I want to clear my name that I am not a liar. And if they come out to challenge anything now, we will play what happened in there for all Ghanaians to hear.”

  • I am not biased; claims very disappointing – Atta Akyea on IGP leaked tape probe

    I am not biased; claims very disappointing – Atta Akyea on IGP leaked tape probe

    Chairman of the ad hoc Committee responsible for investigating the leaked tape revealing a plot to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from his position, Samuel Atta Akyea, has refuted claims of bias.

    This response comes in the wake of accusations of bias from Mr. Kwame Gyan, the lawyer representing the IGP.

    Mr. Gyan has expressed concerns about how Mr. Atta Akyea has been managing the committee’s proceedings, a sentiment he has held since the start of the investigation.

    During his client’s appearance before the committee, Mr. Gyan raised objections regarding the presence of COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent Asare, who had previously testified against the IGP.

    He requested that they be excused from the proceedings. However, Mr. Atta Akyea disagreed with the objection, despite a suggestion from Mr. James Agalga, the Ranking Member on the committee.

    Nevertheless, Atta Akyea dismissed the allegations of bias.

    Speaking to the media on October 10, at the end of an in-camera hearing by the committee, the Akim Abuakwa South Member of Parliament said “It is very disappointing for anybody to say I am biased. On the contrary, the generality of Ghanaians believe that I have steered the affairs of the committee well.

    “If anybody is having jitters, that I am going to manufacture evidence against the IGP, it does not accord with common sense.

    “Because what we are doing here is being recorded, so, Atta Akyea with whatever dexterity will not be able to improve upon the evidence,” he stressed adding that he was leading a fact-finding committee, whose proceedings were being recorded and transcribed.”

    The leaked tape captured a conversation involving COP Alex Mensah (rtd), some senior police officers and the former Northern Region Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Daniel Bugri Naabu. In the conversation, there were apparent discussions about a plan to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) prior to the 2024 elections.

    The contents of the tape implied that the NPP could not win the 2024 elections should the IGP remain in his current position. The voice accused the IGP of acting in alignment with former President John Dramani Mahama, who had purportedly assured him of his continued position.

    While Chief Bugri Naabu acknowledged the tape’s content, COP Alex Mensah denied its accuracy, stating that certain portions had been “edited.” Nevertheless, he affirmed that he harbored no issues with the current IGP.

    https://twitter.com/jacksonpsky/status/1712088428458721568
  • IGP leaked tape: The speaker must remove Atta-Akyea as committee chair – Dr Bonaa

    IGP leaked tape: The speaker must remove Atta-Akyea as committee chair – Dr Bonaa

    Dr. Adam Bonaa, an analyst specialising in security and safety matters, has called for the withdrawal of Samuel Atta-Akyea, who chairs a 7-member ad hoc committee responsible for probing the recently disclosed contentious audio.

    During a media engagement , Dr. Bonaa made this request in response to allegations put forth by George Akuffo-Dampare, the legal counsel representing Ghana’s Inspector General of Police (IGP). Dr. Bonaa pointed out that Mr. Atta-Akyea has veered away from the committee’s designated scope of work.

    “Yes, it would have been proper for the Speaker to ask him to recuse himself because, like I said, if you go and play the video, you can see the chairman almost turning the thing into a per trawling exercise on the sea and when you come on the land, it’s like galamsey, using crude methods to do what you have not been asked to do when you’ve been given a term of reference.

    “So it will be proper if the speaker asks him to excuse himself but I believe the speaker knows what he is doing,” he stated.


    In a recent interview, Lawyer Kwame Gyan voiced apprehensions about Mr. Atta-Akyea’s behaviour, claiming that the committee’s chairman was making statements that could potentially undermine the impartiality of the investigation.

    Mr. Atta-Akyea, who concurrently holds the position of Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, has faced considerable scrutiny for his management of the case.

    Mr. Gyan accused Mr. Atta-Akyea of conducting himself as if he were the sole commissioner in charge of the inquiry, and he expressed his team’s unwillingness to proceed under such circumstances.

    “He has his own agenda,” Mr. Gyan asserted, hinting that Mr. Atta-Akyea has revealed his biassed intentions for all to see.

    Reacting to the allegations against the committee chairman, Dr Bonaa said the observation by Dr Dampare’s lawyer can be confirmed from a careful analysis of the proceedings and the conduct of the chairman.

    “For those who watched the on-camera sittings, when one of the senior police officers said he was a member of the NPP and he was asked whether he was a card-bearing member of a political party, just when he was about to answer, the chairman actually restrained him and told him not to answer. The video is there.

    “So I believe that the Speaker of Parliament should actually collect all these videos to do an assessment of the performance of his chairman. He stopped him from answering and thought that was being biassed.

    “You are there to collect facts so if a question is put to a witness and the witness decides to answer, you don’t tell him not to answer because you don’t act as a counsel for the witness but by and large, that was what he was doing,” Dr Bonaa noted.

    In a notable incident, a recorded conversation featured three currently serving police officers and a former regional chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), outlining a plan to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

    This recording, which has received extensive media coverage, captured the senior officers seeking the political figure’s support in orchestrating the removal of the IGP before the 2024 general election.

    These officers, who identified themselves as staunch NPP members, voiced their apprehensions regarding the potential negative impact of Dr. Dampare’s tenure as IGP on the party’s prospects of retaining power.

  • Prof Ransford Gyampo’s open letter to Atta Akyea over leaked tape saga

    Prof Ransford Gyampo’s open letter to Atta Akyea over leaked tape saga

    Dear Atta Akyea,

    You aren’t smarter than Ghanaians. We can glean your partiality. Your body language, line of questioning and recurring remarks consistently hint at personal biases against the IGP.

    You don’t look like a credible chairman of any important committee. Rather, you look more like a defence counsel for the bitter police officers whose quest to be made IGPs so they can subvert the will of the people has been exposed.

    It is not by force to chair this committee, especially when your work output is more of a disservice. If you don’t have any personal interest in this matter, then recuse yourself or get replaced by the Speaker, as your role is more of a nuisance, and annoying, particularly when you think we are unable to read in between the lines.

    Just recuse yourself, it is not by force!

    Yaw Gyampo
    A31, Prabiw
    PAV Ansah Street
    Saltpond
    &
    Suro Nipa House
    Behind Old Post Office
    Larteh-Akuapim

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • Atta Akyea believes leaked tape on IGP’s ousting is ‘doctored’

    Atta Akyea believes leaked tape on IGP’s ousting is ‘doctored’

    Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee responsible for investigating the leaked audio involving Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare’s removal, Samuel Atta Akyea, has raised doubts about the authenticity of the viral tape.

    Speaking to the media in Accra on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, Atta Akyea suggested that the tape circulating on social media appears to have been altered.

    He pointed out that the version of the tape presented to the committee by the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Daniel Bugri Naabu, is longer and differs from the shorter version that has been widely circulated.

    “It seems to be the case, because the second tape is a long conversation,” Atta Akyea said.

    The viral leaked tape involving IGP Dampare has sparked significant discussion and debate. Earlier, Bugri Naabu had confirmed the tape’s authenticity when he appeared before the committee.

    This leaked tape features a conversation between Bugri Naabu and three senior Police Officers – COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi. In the tape, they discuss a plan to remove the IGP to allegedly assist the NPP in manipulating the 2024 elections.

    During his appearance before the committee on Tuesday, Dampare vehemently denied the allegations made against him by these Police Officers. He emphasized that these baseless accusations had caused immense pain to his family.

    Additionally, he refuted any involvement in a conspiracy to secretly record conversations involving the three implicated police officers.

    The IGP further rejected any insinuations that he maintained regular contact with the opposition party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.

    He disclosed that the accusations made by the Police officers had inflicted considerable distress on his family.

    On Wednesday, the National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah, and the legal representative for the Inspector General of Police, Kwame Gyan, participated in a private session with Parliament’s ad-hoc committee investigating the leaked tape.

    The confidential hearing also included the three senior police officers implicated in the covert recording, along with their legal counsel.

  • Leaked tape: IGP concerned over nature of hearing by Parliamentary Committee

    Leaked tape: IGP concerned over nature of hearing by Parliamentary Committee

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has expressed his concerns about certain aspects of the ongoing hearing on a leaked tape regarding plans to oust him by a Parliamentary Committee.

    He was dissatisfied by the fact that the three witnesses; COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi, and Superintendent George Asare were not obligated to provide evidence substantiating their allegations against him before he was called upon to testify.

    The IGP, while providing his testimony before the Committee today, insisted that continuing to toe that line might unfairly benefit his accusers.

    In his opinion, the attempts by previous witnesses to provide information to the committee did not sufficiently address the seriousness of the matter at hand.

    “Honourable Chair, I think we need to look at this carefully. Because that is not fair. Having said that, I don’t have any tape, I don’t know about it. And they should stop it,” he said on September 12.

    During his own appearance before the committee, on September 1, one of the witnesses, COP George Mensah, alleged that “intel suggests that what was used to tape the conversation was done by the current IGP.”

    COP Mensah further claimed that Dr. George Akuffo Dampare masterminded the recording of their conversation and leaked the tape to the general public.

    “He sent some people to do it, after which he went for it. So the tape, from my intel, is with the IGP, and he caused it to be leaked. So if this committee wants the tape, the right person to call before this committee is the Inspector General of Police,” he asserted.

    However, the IGP firmly rejected this notion.

    When the committee inquired about his reaction to these allegations, Dr. Dampare stressed that it is the duty of the accusers to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims before he is asked to respond.

    He expressed his concern that these actions might be an effort to divert attention and recommended that they be thoroughly scrutinized.

    “They are trying to twist it and divert attention. We allowed him to go on that fishing expedition, acting as octopuses in the quest to find something by whatever means to affect my person or my integrity,” he explained.

    The IGP, along with all four previous witnesses, is scheduled to appear before the council on Wednesday.

    They will also be joined by the National Security Minister, who was implicated by one of the witnesses in relation to an alleged NIB investigation.

  • Plot to oust IGP: Heated exchange between IGP’s lawyer and Atta Akyea

    Plot to oust IGP: Heated exchange between IGP’s lawyer and Atta Akyea

    There were no common grounds at the preliminary stage when the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare appeared before the Parliamentary Committee probing the leaked tape on the ousting of the IGP.

    Counsel of the IGP, Kwame Gyan, in his earlier submissions raised concerns over the presence of other witnesses, including former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Daniel Bugri Naabu, as well as COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare, during the period Dr George Akuffo Dampare gave his testimony.

    “We strongly object to the presence of other witnesses,” he said.

    But the Committee Chair, Samuel Atta Akyea, swept his comment under the rug, noting that “When they are here, it will not affect the IGP’s testimony.”

    Mr Atta Akyea further noted that the witnesses would not be given the opportunity to talk or ask questions, hence their presence would amount to zilch.

    His comments, however, did not sit well with the IGP’s counsel, who noted that as the witnesses would not make any contribution, their presence would not be relevant as the IGP gave his testimony.

    For over five minutes, the duo went on arguing out their points. During this period, Mr Atta Akyea told Kwame Gyan that “I don’t want to have a banter with you.”

    Finally, the Committee Chair asked the IGP‘s counsel whether their presence of the witnesses any way injure the IGP and the hearing.

    “Can you tell this Committee the injury you will suffer if they are seated here, and then I take a decision. What injury are you going to suffer, I don’t get it,” he said.

    In response, Kwame Gyan also posed a question to Mr Atta Akyea. He wanted the Committee Chair to explain how their absence would injure the Committee and the hearing.

    “Honourable Chairman, in the event that they stay outside, what injury will they also suffer and what injury will the committee also suffer,” he asked.

    Tired of the rebuttal, Mr Atta Akyea finally said: “The Committee is not only sitting today. And please mark my words carefully, you can wave your right not to speak and I wouldn’t worry at all. I don’t want to continue with the banter. I don’t need it.

    These individuals and the IGP are going to continue after here. We are not ending proceedings today and some of the proceedings will be so important they will be in-camera,”

    Following this, the Counsel of the IGP asked “is this the ruling of the committee so that the records will reflect.”

    Mr Atta Akyea replied: “Yes, so that is it. I don’t know what else you want me to say. And if you want me to overrule my Vice, I will do that, yes. Because you have not satisfied me on one point”.

    Following his remarks, Mr Gyan said, “the IGP is ready.”

  • Plot to oust IGP: We have found a new audio – Chairman of Adhoc Committee

    Plot to oust IGP: We have found a new audio – Chairman of Adhoc Committee

    Chairman of the adhoc committee set up by Speaker Alban Bagbin to probe the leaked tape on the ousting of the Inspector General of Police, Samuel Atta Akyea, has announced that a new audio is in the possession of the committee.

    Reports indicate that Mr Atta Akyea made the disclosure on Monday, September 4, to the media after interrogating Superintendent George Asare.

    “We have the benefit of a tape, on the assumption that it’s authentic. Members of the committee will have to listen to the tape and read the transcript, which will give us ideas on what to do next. First of all, do we bring all the stakeholders together with their lawyers for cross-examination and cross-firing to take place, while listening attentively? And then, after they have finished, will we have our turn?” he is quoted to have said by Citinewsroom.

    During the interrogation of COP Alex Mensah last week, the accused noted that the leaked tape currently in circulation has been altered.

    COP Alex Mensah managed to identify some parts of the audio but failed to accept the audio in its totality.

    “This is an edited tape; there are so many things in that tape that I heard today that I do not remember, and there are certain things I remember that we discussed that are not on the tape,” he said.

    When Superintendent George Asare faced the Committee, he also corroborated COP Alex Mensah’s statement.

    “Honourable chair in my earlier comments to the committee, it was clear that the tape is incomplete, and whoever masterminded that tape which of course you will get to know by the close of day if not today, but I don’t know when the in-camera engagement will take place but before I sign out, you will understand everything,” he said.

    Last week, former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Chief Bugri Naabu, informed the Committee that he sent a copy of the tape he had recorded to the president.

    “Commander Asare and COP Mensah said currently all the Commissioners at the Police Headquarters are all NDC and we will see whether we will win this election or lose it. So that alone I was a bit worried…that was the reason why I did the tape and gave the President the tape. So that he will also hear directly and not from me, which I did.”

    But COP Alex Mensah believes the tape was recorded by an individual directed by IGP Dr George Akuffo Dampare. He alleges that the original tape is with the IGP.

    “So the tape, according to my intel is with the IGP and he caused it to be leaked,” he made the claim when he made his second appearance before the committee tasked to investigate an alleged plot to remove the IGP on Friday, September 1.

    Meanwhile, the Abuakwa South Member of Parliament, Atta Akyea, is claimed to have stated that the committee will, in the coming days, hold in-door cameras with the accused.

    “And then, are there matters which should not come into the public domain because of national security implications? So we will hold a long in-house or in-camera hearing, and then we will make some sense of it. This is how we are going to proceed. We will be guided strongly by the fact that this is not a simple exercise and that not everything should be fed to the public.”

  • Leaked tape: Parliament to summon COP Mensah, Superintendents Asare and Gyebi on Thursday

    Leaked tape: Parliament to summon COP Mensah, Superintendents Asare and Gyebi on Thursday

    The police officers implicated by former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu, in a leaked tape on the ousting of Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, will appear before Parliament on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

    This information was revealed by Chairman of the adhoc committee set up by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to probe the leaked audio tape, Samuel Atta Akyea in an engagement with the media.

    The said officers summoned by Parliament are COP George Alex Mensah, Superintendent Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi.

    “These are the three individuals who will appear on Thursday,” Mr Atta Akyea told Citi FM.

    According to Bugri Naabu, Commander Asare threatened his life when he reached out to find out how their conversation was leaked.

    Bugri Naabu said he phoned the Commander who on several occasions refused to make any comments.

    “I called Mr Asare and asked him who sent the tape into the public domain, and he banged the phone on me. Then I called him again and he refused to talk to me,” Bugri Naabu is quoted to have said by Ghanaweb.

    Bugri Naabu informed Parliament that he later received a message by Commander Asare from his son. Per his comments, the Commander threatened his life over the leaked audio tape.

    “But rather, he sent a message through my son, that he will deal with me, he threatened me,” Bugri Naabu.

    According to Bugri Naabu, he only sent the audio to President Akufo-Addo.

  • Leaked tape on IGP’s ousting: Atta Akyea ‘scolds’ Bugri Naabu for not valuing time

    Leaked tape on IGP’s ousting: Atta Akyea ‘scolds’ Bugri Naabu for not valuing time

    A parliamentary committee established to investigate allegations regarding a leaked tape implying government intentions to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has issued a stern warning against any attempts to obstruct or delay their investigative process.

    This warning comes in the wake of the absence of the initial witness, Bugri Naabu, former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), due to health issues, which resulted in the postponement of the committee’s inaugural session last Thursday.

    As a result, the committee was compelled to reschedule proceedings for today, Monday, August 28, 2023.

    The committee’s Chairman, Samuel Atta-Akyea, stressed the importance of adhering to the committee’s set timetable. He emphasized that witnesses should prioritize respecting the committee’s schedule and be prepared to appear when summoned.

    Mr. Atta-Akyea underscored the significance of punctuality and cooperation, acknowledging the committee members’ dedication to ensuring the smooth conduct of proceedings.

    “We expect all those summoned to appear before the committee to recognise the value of time,” Atta-Akyea stated.

    He emphasized once again the committee’s commitment to conducting a fair and impartial investigation, dispelling any suggestions of a witch-hunt and reaffirming the integrity of all committee members.

    The establishment of the seven-member committee by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, aims to thoroughly examine the allegations within the leaked tape. These allegations suggest that the government intends to remove the Inspector General of Police as part of an alleged plot to manipulate the 2024 elections.

    The committee is composed of individuals with diverse expertise, including legal specialist Dr. Isaac Lartey Annan, who possesses a deep understanding of human rights issues.

    The committee’s mandate encompasses verifying the authenticity of the tape and investigating the claims it contains. Additionally, the committee is entrusted with formulating recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

    The proactive stance taken by the committee underscores their dedication to upholding transparency and accountability throughout the investigative process.

  • Stop blaming Mahama for current energy sector debt – John Jinapor

    Stop blaming Mahama for current energy sector debt – John Jinapor

    Former Deputy Minister of Power, John Jinapor, has denied allegations that the Mahama administration’s power purchase agreements resulted in a $320 million debt to the country.

    The Chairman of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, Samuel Atta Kyea, at a press briefing on Wednesday, June 14, accused the NDC of signing 43 take-or-pay power purchase agreements, resulting in the current government being obligated to pay over $320 million in 2018 for unused power charges.

    Refuting these claims in an interview with the media, John Jinapor said the NPP is partly to blame for the losses accrued in the energy sector.

    “ECG losses alone have increased from 23 percent to 31 percent so when the Minister of Finance pays for those losses, it is not excess capacity. It is power delivered. There is a power reserve margin of 20 percent and it is statutory and this government came and decided that it shouldn’t be part of the tariff structure and it is a political decision.”

    The Yapei-Kusawgu legislator blamed the massive leakages, forex losses, exchange differentials and other factors other than what Mr. Atta Kyea is alleging for the ballooning energy debt.

    “The problem is a result of forex losses, exchange rate differentials, and the unnecessary political interference which is leading to this payment and it cannot be attributed to former president Mahama. Immediately these PPAs expire, they quickly renew them and not from the five years that we did but for fifteen years. We will not allow these double standards to go because the facts speak for themselves.”

    On claims by Mr. Atta Akyea that the Mahama government entered 43 take-or-pay power purchase agreements, resulting in the current government being obliged to pay over $320 million in 2018 for unused power charges, Mr Jinapor said the allegation is untrue.

    “Some of the agreements he has said were not signed by Mahama, so he has to give further information on the 43. This is a simple analogy. You said the man signed 43 agreements, provide the 43,” he added.

  • Bawumia competent enough to become president – Atta Akyea

    Bawumia competent enough to become president – Atta Akyea

    Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is qualified to serve as the substantive president, according to Samuel Atta Akyea, a Member of Parliament representing Abuakwa South.

    Speaking on the January 3, 2023 episode of Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana show, the lawmaker emphasized that Bawumia’s background as an economist was one of his greatest assets and that he would make no excuses for failing to rescue the nation from any economic difficulties.

    “I am of the humble view that Dr. Bawumia will be the first president who is an economist and therefore nobody is going to say that the president didn’t understand the economy that is why the economy is a mess.

    “Now, he is in the saddle…now you are president, deliver us from the economic mess. Who understands the economy better than the one who is an economist himself? So, in terms of competence, I am persuaded that he has it and he is over the top,” he told host Paul Adom-Otchere.

    Atta Akyea also urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to choose competence over ethnicity, geography, or religion when selecting their flagbearer.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/bawumia-proud-as-ghanas-national-e-pharmacy-platform-goes-live-today/

    He reaffirmed his position that Alan Kyerematen, minister of trade and industry, should pair Bawumia with him as his vice and choose him as the consensus candidate.

    Later this year, the NPP is anticipated to choose a flagbearer for the elections of 2024.

    Alan and Bawumia have been replaced by prominent figures such Kennedy Agyapong, MP for Assin Central, and Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, former general secretary of the NPP.