Ex-Ministers Grilled Over GIA

Two former Ministers in the Kufuor government - Messrs. Richard Anane and Papa Owusu Ankomah were yesterday grilled by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police, over the running of the beleaguered Ghana International Airlines (GIA).

Mr. Frank Adu Poku, the Director of CID confirmed to this paper that the two NPP stalwarts, who served at Ministers of Roads and Transport and Attorney General respectively, were invited on Wednesday by the CID to help in the investigations into activities of the Ghana International Airlines. He however said he was not a member of the panel that queried them.

Paapa Owusu-Ankomah himself told Peace FM that he was not arrested but invited to answer certain questions. "I have not been arrested, neither am I the subject of the investigation - I was just invited to answer questions concerning Ghana International Airlines,", he said, adding that he saw nothing wrong with the CID invitation.

According to him, it shows that although his party was not in power, his contributions were needed for the development of the country.

The former Minister, who once sought to lead the NPP as its presidential candidate, was interrogated by a high-powered panel of top notch police officers on Wednesday.

Paapa Owusu-Ankomah urged his supporters and party faithful not to worry since he went there with his lawyer.

He shared similar sentiments on Joy FM yesterday, but remained resolute that he did nothing untoward as far as the matters relating to Ghana International Airlines were concerned.

Dr. Richard Anane could, however, not be reached for his comment.

Deputy Information Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, could not give details of the case when contacted on phone, except to direct this reporter to the police headquaters.