MP for Tamale South constituency, Haruna Iddrisu
Investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, has commented on the bribery allegations leveled against the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu.
He suggested that it would be wise for an investigative body in Ghana to examine the case and confirm or deny his innocence, rather than Iddrisu attempting to clear his own name.
Manasseh indicated that he is keen on knowing how the country's anti-corruption agencies will address the situation, as it could influence Ghana's global reputation regarding its political system.
He added that the accusations against Iddrisu could harm his political standing and future prospects.
“The MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has denied damning bribery allegations against him by a South African newspaper. I'm wondering if the anti-corruption institutions in Ghana would investigate the matter. It would be in Haruna Iddrisu's interest if the allegations were investigated and his innocence established as he argues.
“As it stands, it doesn't look good for his image and political future. It also doesn't look good for our anti-corruption agencies, the weakest of which has more power and more resources than the most powerful and resourceful investigative journalist in this country,” he wrote on his X page.
His comments follow an investigative report by News24, which specifically mentioned the Tamale South legislator as having allegedly benefited from bribes to the tune of over US$2.5 million (47 million rands).
The investigative report delved into the activities of siblings Rushil and Nishani Singh, who operated the Ghana Infrastructure Company (GIC) between 2017 and 2022, which indicated that the MP was a 'broker' for the company in Ghana.
In a rejoinder copied to GhanaWeb, Haruna Iddrisu categorically denied brokering any deal for GIC in Ghana or any involvement in the company's affairs.
He stated that he had never received any payment from GIC or the Singh siblings, saying, "I will not succumb to cheap blackmail.
"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.
"... 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."
Watch the video below:
The MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has denied damning bribery allegations against him by a South African newspaper. I'm wondering if the anti-corruption institutions in Ghana would investigate the matter. pic.twitter.com/H4zIsc0T03
— Manasseh Azure Awuni (@Manasseh_Azure) May 14, 2024
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