… Investor Claims NDC Guru Demanded 10% Payoff into Private Account
The political landscape in Accra is ablaze with allegations of a massive $7 million fraud, as Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), stands accused by a Singaporean investor of orchestrating a dubious deal involving the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Mr. Toh You Kang, the Singaporean national at the heart of the scandal, claims Ashie Moore coerced him into a partnership to supply ECG cables, siphoning off a hefty 10% of the contract value into his personal bank account.
Kang, in an explosive interview with Okay FM, laid bare the intricate web of what he insists is a fraudulent scheme. He recounted being introduced to Ashie Moore by a Chinese lady who pitched the NDC strongman as a formidable figure seeking investors in Ghana.
“There is this Chinese lady who recommended me to Ashie Moore. Ashie Moore is finding investors to invest in Ghana. So, this Chinese lady recommended me to Ashie Moore, and Ashie Moore invited me to Ghana.
He told me what connections and network success he has in Ghana before I decided to invest. So, I came to Ghana for the very first time around May 2024,” Kang revealed, detailing the initial lure.
According to Kang, Ashie Moore wasted no time in flaunting his alleged influence, introducing the Singaporean to an array of high-ranking officials, including none other than former President John Dramani Mahama and Professor Joshua Alabi. This power display, Kang claims, was designed to cement his trust and convince him to pour millions into the venture.
Kang asserts that Ashie Moore, presenting himself as a former minister with an extensive network, persuaded him to establish a company in Ghana specifically for the purpose of supplying ECG cables. Convinced by the NDC Chairman’s apparent clout, Kang says he took the plunge and invested significantly.
The plot thickened when, after his return to Singapore, Ashie Moore allegedly informed Kang that he had secured two lucrative ECG contracts – one for $1 million and another for a staggering $6 million. The catch? Because their newly formed company was “new,” a “sincerity” deposit was required.
“So, I transferred the money to his personal bank account because he told me the company’s bank account was not open yet.
So, he asked me to transfer the money to his bank account and therefore, because of this business he promised me; $6m and $1m from ECG directly; I proceeded to give him 10% of the money,” Kang stated, confirming a hefty payment of $700,000 into Ashie Moore’s private account.
But the demands didn’t stop there. Kang claims Ashie Moore then requested an additional $100,000 for “insurance,” a purported requirement for the deal. Feeling trapped after investing so much, Kang says he reluctantly paid up, bringing his total outlay to a staggering $800,000 for the $7 million contract.
When Kang pressed for direct contract purchase orders from ECG, Ashie Moore allegedly dragged his feet. Weeks later, instead of the promised documentation, Kang claims Ashie Moore delivered “good news” – he had supposedly spoken directly with the Vice President, who was now “supporting their business” with an additional $150 million and another $10 million.
Ashie Moore Cries Foul, Points Finger at Singaporean
However, the narrative takes a sharp turn. The Herald Ghana has reported that Ashie Moore vehemently denies these accusations, asserting he is, in fact, the victim of a colossal fraud perpetrated by the very same Singaporean national.
In a statement issued by his lawyer, Gideon Tettey Tetteh, Ashie Moore dismissed Kang’s claims as “falsehoods.” He confirmed that Toh You Kang is currently on remand, indicating a different side to this unfolding drama.
According to Ashie Moore’s legal team, he and his business partners filed a complaint with the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, accusing Kang of defrauding them of approximately $3 million under false pretenses.
Furthermore, Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is reportedly investigating separate allegations that Kang pilfered an additional $2.8 million from the group.
“There is no truth to reports that Mr. Ashie Moore has received any payment of US$800,000 from the suspect,” the statement emphatically declared. “In fact, it is Mr. Kang who swindled Mr. Ashie Moore and his partners, causing significant harm to their businesses.”
Ashie Moore’s legal team has now petitioned the Attorney General to take over the case, citing its magnitude as beyond the scope of local police.
Ashie Moore has also categorically denied online claims of extortion, passport seizure, or assault, branding them as baseless and defamatory.
Chinese Company Backs Ashie Moore, Alleges Kang’s Fraud
Adding another layer of complexity to the saga, Foshan Yuejiaxin Wire & Cable Co., Ltd., a Chinese company, has issued a public disclaimer that supports Ashie Moore’s narrative.
The company, headquartered in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, accuses Toh You Kang of defrauding them of several million dollars through transactions spanning Asia and Africa, specifically naming Ghana.
The Chinese firm confirmed that Kang is facing multiple fraud charges in Ghana and affirmed that both their funds and those of Ashie Moore were “misappropriated under the guise of legitimate business transactions.”
“We hereby reaffirm our full support for Mr. Emmanuel Ashie Moore in his pursuit of justice and the resolution of this matter to its logical and lawful conclusion,” read the statement, signed by Managing Director Liang Liubing.
The company further stated its full cooperation with Ghanaian authorities, providing documentation and official statements to aid the ongoing investigation.
As the accusations fly, Ashie Moore has vowed to pursue legal action against anyone attempting to tarnish his reputation with what he describes as a coordinated smear campaign.
A high-stakes legal battle now looms between the Singaporean national and the NDC Greater Accra Regional Chairman. The New Republic Newspaper is closely monitoring this developing story and will bring you the latest as it unfolds.
By Prince Ahenkorah