Majority to lead probe into COVID-19 funds, Agyapa and PDS deals -Ayariga

The Majority Caucus in Parliament has vowed to initiate a comprehensive investigation into acts of financial mismanagement and recklessness that allegedly occurred under the former Akufo-Addo administration.

Among the key areas identified for scrutiny are the expenditure of COVID-19 funds and a series of sole-sourced contracts awarded during the previous government’s tenure.

Delivering his opening remarks on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, May 27, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga underscored the importance of holding public officials accountable for financial decisions made in office, warning that failure to do so would betray the trust Ghanaians have placed in Parliament.

“During this caucus, the Majority will spearhead a rigorous pursuit of accountability in Ghana’s public financial management. We will demand a full-scale parliamentary investigation into the handling of COVID-19 expenditure to ensure transparency in how emergency funds were utilised,” he stated.

Mr. Ayariga also signaled Parliament’s intent to revisit the unresolved Agyapa Royalties deal, a controversial agreement involving the monetisation of Ghana’s mineral royalties, as well as to seek further updates on the $190 million PDS scandal, an alleged case of fraud that disrupted efforts to privatise Ghana’s power distribution sector.

“Additionally, this House will revisit the unresolved Agyapa Royalties deal and require a detailed update on the $190 million PDS scandal, a case of alleged fraud in power distribution…under the previous administration,” he added.

In a separate matter, Ayariga addressed concerns over alleged offensive remarks made in Parliament against Klottey Korle MP, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings.

He urged the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to refer all Minority Members seated in the direction from which the comment was made to the Privileges Committee for investigation.