Ghanaians unmoved as Chief of Staff orders probe after GH¢3.6 m spent rebranding 116 buses

The Daily Graphic reports, the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has issued a directive to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to probe the contract for the spraying and rebranding of 116 buses inter-city buses which cost GH₵ 3.6 million. But most Ghanaians don’t seem moved by the gesture, questioning why it is being taken after the act.

By the letter, the Attorney General, Marietta Brew Apiah-Oppong is to present her findings to the Chief of Staff by close of day, December 22, 2015.

The controversial cost of rebranding the intercity buses was reportedly, first raised by the Minority leader in parliament Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, who quoted the figure of GH₵3,649,044.75 for the 116 buses from the annual report of the petroleum funds, translating into a cost of GH₵31,457.28 for each.

The buses, have been arrayed in Ghana’s colours, a coloured picture of current President John Mahama, and black and white pictures of former heads of state.

Transport Minister Dzifa Ativor reportedly told parliament she did not have the details of the cost and sought asked parliament for time to look into the matter.

Meanwhile, Joy FM reports that the company that rebranded the buses has denied receiving the huge amounts for its work, as appears in a widely-circulated pro-forma invoice for the re-branding.

According to the radio station, Kwaku Mensah Abeiku, the Manager of Crystal Concept, says his company charged GH₵11,600 for rebranding of all the 116 buses.

Most Ghanaians have expressed disapproval and anger, mostly on radio and social media.

By Emmanuel Odonkor