The People’s Alliance for Governance and Accountability (PAGA), a prominent pressure group advocating for transparency and accountability in government, has formally requested a parliamentary investigation into allegations of bribery surrounding the AKSA power agreement. The escalating controversy, stemming from evidence presented in a United States criminal prosecution, points to a complex web of financial transactions originating from Ghana’s Parliament during the 2015 legislative session. The core of the issue centers on the alleged payment of funds to members of Parliament – specifically, 18 individuals – in connection with the ratification of the AKSA Emergency Power Agreement.
Following a significant breakthrough in the US criminal case, evidence has been accepted that demonstrates a deliberate arrangement whereby money was channeled to some members of Ghana’s Parliament. The investigation, initiated by the US authorities, suggests a pattern of illicit activity and a potential breach of constitutional oversight. The United States prosecution, which has been kept confidential, details a transaction involving the AKSA agreement that Parliament was constitutionally obligated to review and approve. The crux of PAGA’s demand is for the parliamentary body to immediately identify all individuals who received this money.
Specifically, the group highlighted that during the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament in 2015, the Mines and Energy Committee, which oversaw the review and approval of the AKSA Emergency Power Agreement, convened. The evidence presented in the US prosecution indicates that 18 members of Parliament served on this committee. This crucial timeframe allows for the possibility of direct engagement with the funds and the potential for further investigation.
The PAGA statement emphasizes that the inquiry must not be framed as a partisan attack on Parliament. Instead, the group is advocating for a thorough, independent examination of the allegations and a summons of all relevant individuals and institutions – including parliamentary staff and legal experts – to participate.
“Parliament must demonstrate, unequivocally, that it possesses the same level of seriousness of inquiry and scrutiny applied to the conduct of other public officials,” stated a spokesperson for PAGA. “This isn’t about convicting anyone; it’s about uncovering the truth, holding those accountable, and ensuring transparency within our governance structure.”
The group stresses the importance of a purely investigative process, assuring the public that they are not seeking a conviction outside of a court of law. “We are requesting an investigation into the matter and, crucially, are demanding further prosecution. We are seeking transparency, accountability, and, above all, a full and honest account of events,” the statement concluded. The implications of this alleged bribery scheme are potentially significant for Ghana’s parliamentary integrity and public trust in its institutions.
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Source: Graphic Online
