Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, is currently under investigation by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) over projects undertaken during his tenure as Minister of Education and Energy under the Akufo-Addo administration.
The Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem Sai, confirmed that NAPO has been cooperating with investigators, attending meetings at the NIB.
The investigation encompasses various projects and contracts executed across the Education and Energy ministries, where Dr. Opoku Prempeh held cabinet positions. Specifically, the NIB is looking into the procurement of mathematical sets during his tenure at the Education Ministry. A notable contract under scrutiny is the $60 million deal for mathematical sets awarded in 2019 to Bluegrass Group Ltd, the local agent for Cornfield Group Ltd.
Mathematical Sets Procurement: The contract, valued at $12 million per annum for five years, involved supplying 853,009 units of scientific mathematical sets annually at a unit cost of GH¢75.
Sole-Sourced Contract: The contract was awarded to Bluegrass Group Ltd without competitive bidding, sparking questions about the procurement process.
Dr. Srem Sai emphasized that being under investigation does not imply guilt. He cautioned against drawing premature conclusions and highlighted the importance of distinguishing between ministerial oversight and personal involvement in wrongdoing. “You will not be prosecuted unless there is evidence that you were complicit in some of the things you undertook,” he stated.
The Deputy Attorney General cited the Sky Train debacle as an example where high-profile individuals were investigated but not necessarily charged. Former Attorney General and Railway Minister Joe Ghartey was invited for questioning but was not included in the charge sheet.
Dr. Srem Sai commended the professional conduct of many public officials under investigation, describing them as cooperative and discreet. He noted that most individuals understand and respect the legal process, choosing not to make public statements about their cases.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
