Critics in a hurry did not have enough evidence on Veep's project – Ofosu Kwakye

General News on Friday, April 19th, 2019

Source: citinewsroom.com

2019-04-19

Felix Ofosu Kwakye, former Deputy Minister of Communication, believes that the people who criticized the construction of the Vice President's official residence were in a hurry to do so.

According to him, the critics were too eager to comment on the project without having sufficient information.

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia first raised concerns about the project, saying the project, at a cost of $ 13.9 million, was awarded without appeal. # 39; offers.

"Very importantly, we want to ensure the strict application of Law 663 on public procurement. It is a law that, in my opinion and in the opinion of many people, has been the subject of serious abuse in recent times. was more the rule than the exception.

"The law was designed so that it did not use only an exclusive supplier and it should be as severe as it is today, and I think we will have to apply that law to public procurement," he said. Mr. Bawumia in 2017.

Mr. Ofosu-Kwakye, of Eyewitness News, said that these badertions may be unfounded, as the current government has not been able to hold anyone.

"Maybe those who talked about the issue spoke too fast. They were in a hurry. They did not gather enough information to be able to determine whether or not there was wrongdoing and, at the time of my speech, they were unable to detain anyone on these matters. accusations. "

"This government has the burden of ensuring that corrective action is taken. These sanctions apply to those who may have done wrongdoing, but in my opinion, there is nothing to indicate and no one has been held to account. "

The debate over the Vice President's residency was re-launched after AESL (Architectural and Engineering Services Limited) announced that it was awaiting instructions from the government for the project.

Addressing the Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday, the Acting Director General of AESL, Surveyor Robert Abugre said the project was still under construction.

"The contractor owed money and issues were raised under the project, which resulted in the suspension of work. For now, it is still suspended and no work is in progress. We are waiting for the government to make a decision on end-use and any other direction. "

At the same time, James Klutse Avedzi, chairman of the public accounts committee and minority MP for Ketu North, said the project should not be politicized.

"A number of issues were raised, but the project was launched. Some costs have been incurred. Should we say that it should be there forever and deteriorate? The cost or the cost of the project should be reviewed by the current government. They should examine it, let the project succeed and put it to good use. Of course, there will be politics, but should we play politics at the expense of the Ghanaian taxpayer? "