Auditing did not cost 30 million cedis – Edumadze

Mr Isaac Edumadze, Central Regional Minister has refuted claims by National Democratic Congress (NDC) Central Region Parliamentary caucus that he paid an auditor 30 million cedis to audit the accounts of the Central Regional Development Commission (CEDECOM).

Mr Edumadze, who was reacting to the allegations made Mr Samuel Adu Yeboah, NDC -Agona East, Spokesperson for the Caucus, in Parliament House on Wednesday, told the Ghana News Agency that Mr Foster-Forson, the Auditor, was paid 24 million cedis and not 30 million cedis.

He said the amount was arrived at after the Interim Management Committee, (IMC) headed by Mr Osam Duodu (not the Coach) bargained with Mr Foster-Forson, adding that the mode of payment was also determined by the IMC.

Mr Edumadze explained that CEDECOM was the technical wing of the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) and the Regional Minister was the automatic Chairman of its Board.

He said when he assumed office he discovered that the organisation was not being run properly so he initiated measures to remedy the situation.

Mr Edumadze said according to the Operating Manual of CEDCOM, he has the prerogative of appointing the Members of the Board and the Executive Secretary, adding that he found Mr Foster-Forson very capable of running the organisation hence his appointment.

He said the audit report showed that the former Executive Secretary, Dr Kofi Asmah could not account for 256 million cedis and so he was handed over to the Police.

"The Police have impounded a Benz car and a taxicab belonging to Dr Asmah."

Mr Edumadze said he accommodated Mr Foster-Forson during the auditing period for security reasons, adding, "I could not eat and leave him since he was my guest".