‘Gov’t frustrating Auditor-General to save Osafo Maafo $1m fraud deal’ – NDC

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused government of finding ways and means to frustrate the Auditor-General, Mr Daniel Yaw Domelevo.

At a press conference addressed by the General Secretary of the NDC, John Asiedu Nketiah, the party insists that the current controversy surrounding the Auditor-General, Daniel Domelevo, are attempts by the government “to have him removed” to prevent scrutiny of Yaw Osafo Maafo, the Senior Minister alleged $1 million deal with UK firm, Kroll Associates.

According to the party, “President Akufo-Addo must demonstrate that no one is above the laws of Ghana including Mr Yaw Osafo Maafo.”

“This EOCO investigation is designed as retribution against Mr. Domelevo because he has been on the tail of Yaw Osafo Maafo over the latter’s involvement in the massive corruption scandal under which $1 million was paid to Kroll Associates, a UK company for no work done.

“Rather than hounding Mr. Domelevo, we are by this press conference calling on President Akufo Addo to immediately order the arrest and prosecution of Mr. Yaw Osafo Maafo for the breaches of the Public Procurement Act. We demand an immediate cessation of the hostile victimization of Mr. Domelevo by the Akufo-Addo government.” he said.

EOCO began investigating the Audit Service following a petition it received from a political pressure group Alliance For Accountable Governance on allegations of procurement breaches.

In a letter written to the investigative body by the Auditor General, Mr. Yaw Domelevo indicated that EOCO has no legal mandate to probe him, a position he is currently seeking redress in court.

The NDC, in addition, said EOCO was targeting the wrong man.

“We find the conduct of the EOCO unacceptable in the sense that the anti-graft agency is comfortably inviting Mr. Yaw Domelevo for questioning and granting him bail but has refused or neglected to invite Mr Yaw Osafo Maafo for the same breaches of the Public Procurement Act.

“The Akufo-Addo government is using EOCO to tie the hands of the Audit Service Board and leave them with no option than to ask the Auditor-General to step aside pending investigations.”Asiedu Nketiah added.