Haruna Iddrisu denies $2.5 million bribery allegations
My attention has been drawn to the above-titled publication published on 13 May 2024, by News24, a South African news website on its portal, www.news24.com. In my long public service career, I have grown accustomed to being the subject of false publications that seek to impugn my reputation, or in one way or the other, implicate me in matters that I am clueless about. Generally, I have considered attempts of this nature to be a hazard of the job and have usually ignored them. However, the allegations contained in this particular publication, which has sought to implicate me in bribery allegations, which according to News24, in an attempt to cover up, has led to the death of two persons, are so grave that I cannot help but respond. In this publication, I have been described as “the Singhs’ closest associate” and described as being responsible for brokering contracts worth over GHS 400 million to their company, Ghana Infrastructure Company (“GIC”), in exchange for money. In making these allegations which I do not take lightly, New24, after its supposedly painstaking investigation, fails to show that I indeed received any monies from the Singhs’ or GIC. All it resorts to are fabrications and colourful storytelling in its attempts to forcefully include me in its publication. I am neither a director nor a shareholder of GIC, neither am I involved in its management. In all, even though I am alleged to have received Forty-Seven Million Rand (R47 million), the breakdown of the alleged receipts shows the fanciful nature of the allegations made by New24, following its supposedly elaborate investigation. Payments that were made to one Asumah Dokurugu, GIC’s director in Ghana, various suppliers, and political campaigns are for some reason being attributed to me without any basis. New24 also seeks to forcefully implicate me on an irrational basis regarding the association of my name to the Haruna Institute. For the record, the Haruna Institute does not operate a bank account and only survives on members’ contributions. Finally, in its desperation, News24, further states that GIC paid for the construction of my house and funded several foreign trips for me. Conspicuously missing in all these claims, is any suggestion or claim that there is any proof that I received these alleged payments, betraying the bad faith intent of the publication, which has sought to put square pegs in round holes just to use my name to create traction for its portal. To be clear, and for the avoidance of doubt, I have never at any point in time, received personally, directed to be paid to, benefited from, or been aware of, any unlawful, illegal or immoral payments made by either GIC or the Singhs. Also, I have never brokered any deals to benefit GIC and/or the Singhs. Curiously, News24 in trying to create the impression that it reached out to me for comments, indicates that I ignored posts on my active social media pages. This further shows the bad faith approach, and honestly, puts in question the supposedly in-depth nature of its investigation. I have had occasion in the past to publicly indicate that I have no social media accounts and that the general public should disregard any accounts associated with my name. A simple Google search on my social media presence leads you to several posts by media outlets on this. It is therefore questionable that a supposedly reputable media outlet would after using its hallowed investigative skills, seek to reach me through social media accounts unrelated to me. I vehemently deny these allegations and categorically refute any implication of wrongdoing. This unfounded allegation not only seeks to tarnish my reputation but also undermines the trust and integrity of my office as the Member of Parliament for the people of Tamale South. As a responsible member of parliament, I am committed to upholding the highest standard of ethics and transparency. I have always conducted myself with integrity and have never engaged in any form of corrupt behaviour. In light of these unfounded claims, I demand that the accuser provide concrete evidence to support their accusations. Any allegation of corruption must be backed by factual evidence rather than mere speculation or hearsay. I do not know what may have motivated this false and unjustified attempt to denigrate my image, but rest assured that I do not intend to treat these false allegations lightly. I have promptly referred this matter to my lawyers and eagerly await their advice on the next steps to be taken. It is time that we held media outlets to high journalistic standards and quell the abuse of journalistic privileges. I will not succumb to cheap blackmail. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Damaged Train to Be Operational by June, Says Minister
The Minister of Railways Development, John Peter Amewu, has announced that the train involved in a recent accident during a self-acceptance test will be operational by the second week of June. Apexnewsgh reports The train, imported from Poland, collided with a stationary track during a test run, raising concerns about its readiness for service. In an exclusive interview with Asaase Radio, Amewu revealed that engineers are working diligently to repair the damaged train. He stated that efforts are underway to ensure the train’s functionality and safety before commissioning it for service. “The train will be operational very soon. It was unfortunate that we had that nasty scene where the train had to run into a stationary vehicle. We have ordered the necessary parts, which will arrive in the next three or four weeks,” Amewu said. The minister estimated that the commissioning of the line will occur anytime from the first week to the second week in June, emphasizing that the arrival of the parts is crucial to the restoration process. The Tema-Mpakadan railway line is expected to facilitate the efficient movement of goods and passengers, contributing to economic development and regional connectivity. Despite the setback caused by the accident, Amewu expressed confidence in the capabilities of the engineering team tasked with repairing the train. He assured the public of the government’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the repairs and the subsequent commissioning of the train for service. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development Boosts Ghanaian Economy with $200 Million Injection
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has reinforced its commitment to fostering economic growth and resilience in the Republic of Ghana with a $200 million investment. Apexnewsgh reports This significant injection is aimed at stimulating the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in critical sectors, creating jobs, driving innovation, and promoting sustainable development. The investment is part of a strategic alliance between EBID, the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM), and GCB Bank PLC, as outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, and Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister for Finance of the Republic of Ghana. The signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including Mr. Lawrence Agyinsam, CEO of GEXIM, and Mr. Samuel Aidoo, Executive Director of Wholesale and Investment Banking at GCB Bank PLC. Dr. Donkor commended Ghana for its steadfast support and emphasized the tripartite alliance’s strategic significance in channeling vital resources into pivotal sectors of the economy. He highlighted EBID’s commitment to forging partnership synergies within the finance and investment domain, serving as a model for future regional collaborations and investments. Dr. Amin Adam underscored the importance of organizations like EBID in driving sustainable transformation, especially amidst global challenges. He praised EBID’s profound impact under Dr. Donkor’s leadership and expressed optimism regarding the Bank’s continued role in shaping the region’s developmental agenda. This $200 million injection brings EBID’s total commitments in Ghana to $600 million, demonstrating the Bank’s dedication to fostering economic growth and resilience across ECOWAS Member States. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
1.05 Million Ghanaians Face Food Insecurity Amidst Ongoing Challenges
A recent report from the World Food Program (WFP) has revealed that an estimated 1.05 million people in Ghana are at risk of food insecurity between June and August 2024. Apexnewsgh reports Although this figure represents a decrease from the 2.2 million projected in November 2023, it remains a pressing concern, particularly when compared to the 1.37 million estimated in March 2023. The report identifies several factors contributing to food insecurity in Ghana, including high food prices exacerbated by natural hazards like flooding, climate change, low prices, poor infrastructure, and inadequate education. These challenges are particularly pronounced in northern Ghana and rural communities, where agriculture is the primary livelihood for 90% of families. Ghana’s vulnerability to global price spikes, especially for imported rice, further compounds the issue, impacting the affordability of food across the country. Moreover, the report highlights the triple burden of malnutrition faced by Ghana, with stunting among children under 5 remaining high, especially in the Northern Region. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly anemia, disproportionately affect women and children, with higher rates in the north. To address these challenges, the WFP has been collaborating with the Ghanaian government since 1963. Over the past five years, efforts have included advocating food fortification standards, promoting the consumption of fortified foods nationwide, and supporting initiatives such as Ghana’s School Feeding Programme. This program provides food vouchers as part of livelihood support and social behavioral change solutions, benefiting 5,000 vulnerable pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls. In 2023, the WFP provided direct cash assistance to thousands in need and supported institutional capacities amid challenges such as climate change and food price hikes. Moving forward, the WFP aims to involve the private sector to enhance food systems, alleviate malnutrition, and strengthen social protection programs in Ghana. By working together, we can ensure that all Ghanaians have access to nutritious food and a brighter future.