We’ll Help CID Probe ‘Double Salary’ Saga – Parliament

Parliament has pledged to co-operate fully with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in the ongoing investigations into the alleged payment of double salary to some former officials of the Mahama administration.

According to a statement from Parliament signed by Acting Director of Public Affairs, Kate Addo, the House, “in the interest of transparency and accountability, parliament will assist in bringing the matter to its logical conclusion.”

The statement however cautioned the general public to be circumspect in their comments on the matter since the full facts had not been determined yet.

“Parliament in an effort to enhance transparency and accountability, pledges to cooperate fully with the law enforcement agencies to bring the matter to a conclusion,” the statement said.

Background 

Some NDC MPs were criticized over allegations that they received double salaries while serving as both Members of Parliament and Ministers or Deputy Ministers.

25 of the MPs were initially asked to report to the police, but 18 of them were later asked to disregard that invitation.

But so far, about eight of them have been interrogated by the CID, and have been told that they are being investigated for stealing.

The Minority in Parliament has since denied the allegations against its members.

At a press conference held days ago, the Minority Spokesperson on Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson said the accusation is geared towards unnecessarily “criminalizing and harassing” Minority MPs.

“Government must be an indecent hurry to divert attention from its failings by its pathetic attempt to push us into submission. No wonder government ended up with eggs on its face yesterday [Monday],” he added.

Per the dictates of public service, an official who occupies both positions is entitled to a single salary, usually equal to the level of a Minister of State.

‘Haruna didn’t call Nana Addo’

Meanwhile, lawyer for some former ministers and MPs  accused of taking double salaries; Victor Adawudu, has debunked claims that the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, placed a call to President Akufo-Addo to intervene in the matter.

The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, is alleged to have stated that the Minority Leader asked the presidency to intervene in the ongoing investigations.

“The Minority Leader has spoken to the president that some intervention must be done to save the image of Parliament,” he reportedly said.

But speaking to the media at the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), today [Wednesday], the lawyer said the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs was not truthful.

It is not true,” Adawudu said, urging Ghanaians not to “spew” such falsehood.

Source: Citifmonline