Former President John Dramani Mahama has called for a complete cancellation of the Agyapa Mineral Royalties agreement after the Special Prosecutor released his report on the deal.
Mr Mahama said the deal is bad, therefore there is no need to implement it.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has asked the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to return the agreement to Parliament.
This comes after the Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, concluded his investigations into the deal regarding the alleged corruption-related issues that were raised against it by civil society groups, the Minority in Parliament as well as the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Mr Amidu asked the Finance Ministry to pause on the scheduled initial Public Offer (IPO) on the deal until after his investigations.
He said on Monday, November 2 that he has finished with his assessment of the transaction and has accordingly submitted his report to the president.
“The analysis of the risk of corruption and anti-corruption assessment was completed and signed by the Special Prosecutor on 15th October 2020.
“The Special Prosecutor in a letter with reference number OSP/SCR/20/12/20 dated 16th October 2020 conveyed the conclusions and observations of the anti-corruption assessment to H. E. the President and the Hon. Minister of Finance as a matter of courtesy before informing the public.”
“Two weeks is more than too long for this Office to continue withholding the announcement of the completion of its sixty-four (64) page report to the public. It is important that this Office has the freedom to discharge its anti-corruption mandate and keep the public informed.
“I have, therefore, decided to bring the facts of the conclusion of the anti-corruption assessment of the Agyapa Royalties Transactions by this Office to the attention of the public and to avoid the continued speculations on this matter,” he said.
But speaking on Accra-based Starr FM, Mr Mahama said: “Withdraw the Agyapa deal completely. No need for review. Ask the finance minister to step aside or suspend him but he’s been quiet on that.
“Give some sanctions on the finance minister. The report indicts the finance minister.”
The agreement was approved by Parliament on Friday, August 14.
By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana