Haruna Iddrisu: Saglemi Suit Is Frivolous And Trumped-Up
The Attorney General of Ghana Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame has stated that the reason for the suit against former Minister for works and Housing, Hon Collins Dauda, and five others is meant to hold public officers accountable.
Speaking to the media after court hearing yesterday, Mr. Yeboah Dame noted that the case will enable public officers to adhere to due process in carrying out their duties.
“The case is about holding public officers to account, in ensuring that there will be a proper and efficient use of state resources; that, if you are a public officer and entrusted with funds or resources you must use them in accordance with the purpose for which the funds were allocated.
“So the case is ensuring that there will be adherence to due process and ensuring that persons entrusted with public office and power exercise responsibility for their actions”, Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame said.
The minority caucus on the other hand believes the suit is meant to harass and intimidate its member.
Speaking with the media, Hon Haruna Iddrisu described the suit as “frivolously trumped-up” case housing selective justices.
“One of our very experienced sitting MPs, Hon Collins Dauda, and four others have been charged; interesting times in Ghana, even when the courts are supposed to be on vacation. I just believe that these frivolous, trumped-up charges are intended to politically persecute and politically harass but as I have said, we remain undoubted.
“I do not think these charges can stand the test of law. I’m very convinced about that. As at May 31, 2018, some payments were made to the same contractor yet the persons who made those payments are not being charged. It can only be selective justice”, he said.
The five persons have been charged among others with causing financial loss to the state, issuing false certificate and dishonestly causing loss to public property.
The five are: Hon. Collins Dauda, former Minister for Works and Housing; Dr. Kwaku Agyemang Manu, Chief Director at the Ministry from 2009-2017; Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu, Executive Chairman of Construtora OAS, the Brazilian company which constructed the affordable housing project at Saglemi; Andrew Clocanas and Nouvi Tetteh Angelo.
All the five have pleaded not guilty to the charges and have been granted bail.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
Editor: Rev. Oppong Baah
