Intercepted Memos Expose Akufo-Addo/Bawumia Government’s Rush to Secure Dubious Midnight Contracts Before Transition

In a series of unfolding revelations, intercepted internal memos have shed light on questionable decisions being made by officials within the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government. These actions, involving hurriedly awarded contracts and expedited payments, have sparked widespread concerns about governance integrity and patriotism.

The latest of such controversies involves the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), where the Board, under intense political pressure, reportedly approved an electronic servicing agreement valued at US$750,000 (GHS12 million) just three days ago. According to insiders, the deal, awarded to Virtual Security Africa, bypassed critical institutional checks, including review by the audit department. Alarmingly, the contract remains in draft form, with negotiations still ongoing.

Despite the evident procedural lapses, sources at ADB reveal that directives have been issued to ensure full payment by December 27, 2024, a move many view as unethical and reckless given the impending political transition.

This mad dash to finalize “midnight contracts” has reportedly reached unprecedented levels, even as the President-elect’s Transition Team issued a cautionary statement against such practices—echoing similar demands made by the NPP during the 2016 transition. The refusal to heed this warning has intensified public scrutiny and raised concerns about potential consequences for complicit officials.

Okudzeto Ablakwa, a vocal critic and Member of Parliament, brought this issue to light through a Facebook post, emphasizing that intercepted memos detail a worrying pattern of political interference and financial impropriety. Ablakwa has warned public officials to resist unlawful political pressure, noting that they will bear full responsibility for their actions after January 7, 2025, when the new administration takes office.

“This brazen disregard for accountability and proper procedure undermines the trust of Ghanaians and raises serious questions about the priorities of those in power,” Ablakwa stated. “For God and Country, Ghana must come first.”

With the country standing on the brink of a new political era, calls for transparency and accountability grow louder. Many Ghanaians are demanding immediate investigations into these midnight deals and stern consequences for those found guilty of abusing their positions for personal or political gain.

As the clock ticks toward the transition, the nation watches closely, determined to ensure that public funds are safeguarded and the reckless actions of a few do not compromise Ghana’s future.