MP alleges dubious credentials at Information Ministry

Mr Joe Baidoe-Ansah, New Patriotic Party Member for Effia Kwesimintim, on Friday accused the Government for using people of questionable credentials to misuse State money.

He was contributing to debates to approve budget allocation for the Information Ministry for the 2011 financial year.

Mr Baidoe-Ansah alleged that the Ministry used people of dubious credentials to take GH¢160,000, but when he was asked to provide proof, he declined mentioning names.

Mr John Tia Akologu Minister of Information, reacting to the claim, said the allegation was connected to Mr Stan Dogbey, who he said is currently an Aide to the Presidency.

However, Mr Baidoe-Ansah rejected the Minister’s claim of Mr Dogbey being a Presidential Aide, and produced a letter dated July 30 2010 from the Presidency that did not recognize him (Mr Dogbey) as a staff.

Mr Akologu reiterated that the gentleman was a presidential aide and promised to produce documental proof of his appointment.

He said it was true that Mr Dogbey signed for the stated amount, but it was on the directive of the then Minister of Information, Mrs Zita Okaikoi.

Mr Akologu explained that the Ministry had records of how the money was used, adding that currently the account was being audited.

He noted that when the auditing was done it would be brought before the House for scrutiny.

Mr Edward Joe Adjaho, First Deputy Speaker, said once the issue was being audited, Mr Baidoe-Ansah should wait for the audited report.

He, therefore, urged that members should leave the gentleman out of the report until it was brought before the house for scrutiny.

Source: GNA