The Minority in Parliament has formally submitted a fresh motion demanding the establishment of an ad hoc committee to investigate the reported $1.7 billion loss at the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). This move, spearheaded by Member of Parliament for Old Tafo and Economy Committee Vincent Ekow Assafuah, represents a significant push from the Caucus to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding this substantial financial discrepancy. The motion, formally submitted to the Speaker for consideration, stems from a continued demand by the Caucus for a parliamentary inquiry into the matter, despite prior calls for the Public Accounts Committee to handle the investigation.
The Minority’s deliberate choice of an ad hoc committee route reflects a strategic decision to provide Parliament with a platform to comprehensively examine the situation, as the Caucus argues suits the convenience of other individuals or groups. Mr. Assafuah emphasized that the Minority’s approach remains steadfast, rejecting suggestions of solely relying on the Public Accounts Committee. He asserted that Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution, coupled with Parliament’s Standing Orders, grants Parliament the authority to establish committees to investigate ministries, departments, and agencies, allowing for the summoning of individuals with relevant information. The Standing Orders 204, 212, 213, 262, and 263 provisions support the creation of such a committee, empowering it to invite or summon individuals. The development comes amidst a growing political disagreement between the Minority and GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi.
Mr. Gyamfi has vehemently denied allegations of attempting to deflect attention from questions concerning the reported $1.7 billion loss by alleging that the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, engaged in extortion. He dismissed the claim, insisting that the Minority remains united behind its leader. He challenged Mr. Gyamfi to provide evidence to support the extortion claims, emphasizing that the allegations should not overshadow the substantive issues surrounding the reported GoldBod loss. The proposed committee, if approved, would have the mandate to investigate the leading causes of the reported loss and invite persons who could assist Parliament in establishing the facts. The Minority considers the motion a priority and expects the Speaker to consider it within the week. Mr. Assafuah maintained that the Caucus’s focus remained on uncovering the facts surrounding the reported loss, rather than allowing the dispute over the extortion allegations to dominate public discussion. The Oversight Service is currently assessing the allegations against Mr. Gyamfi.
GoldBod rejects GH¢1bn overdraft allegation as ‘false and malicious’.
Source: Adom Online
