[Video] Agyapa deal: Amidu’s assessment was an opinion – Godfred Dame

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice nominee, Godfred Dame, has challenged former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu’s findings that former deputy Finance Minister, Charles Adu Boahen, did not have capacity to sign the Agyapa Royalties deal on behalf of the Ministry of Finance.

Then Special Prosecutor of the Republic of Ghana, Martin Amidu conducted a Corruption Risk Assessment on the Agyapa Royalties Agreement which sought to mortgage the mineral royalties of the country. He among other things found that the deal did not follow due process, citing various infractions including procurement breaches, conflict of interest and a breach of the Financial Management Act.

The report in parts specifically fingered the then deputy Minister of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, who signed the agreement and also sanctioned some payments.

Mr. Amidu in his assessment said Mr. Adu Boahene lacked capacity since he was not the chief spending officer of the ministry. According to Mr. Amidu it ought to have been the substantive minister Ken Ofori Atta or the Chief Director at the Ministry of Finance.

But Mr. Dame disagrees with that position, describing the exercise the Special Prosecutor carried out as “his opinion”.

Responding to a question before the Appointments Committee of Parliament Friday, February 12, the minister-designate quoted laws to substantiate his dissenting position; insisting that Charles Adu Boahen could have been authorized by the Finance Minister to sign the contract, and that he said is in accordance with law.

“So on that finding, it is not entirely accurate [that Charle Adu Boahen did not have capacity], that is my humble opinion. If I may also add that the Special Prosecutor in the work that he did essentially was expressing an opinion”, he said.

The nominee also said the Attorney-General then, Gloria Akuffo, was not against the deal.