Gov’t Explains Asabee's Travelling Fiasco

A Deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says the former Information Minister, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, is being “investigated for corruption, conflict of interest and abuse of office”. He told Joy FM that the prevention of Mr. Asamoah Boateng from traveling to the United States, Sunday evening was in respect of that investigation.

Asabee was accosted by men saying they were operatives of the Bureau of National Investigations at the Kotoka International Airport and was prevented from traveling. The enraged Asabee said his rights were violated by men who didn’t even have identity cards. The former Information Minister said he and his family were abused and embarrassed unjustifiably.

But Mr. Ablakwa rejected that position arguing the BNI operatives “were very polite and respectful” in handling Asabee and his family. He explained that the BNI received a tip-off that Mr Asabee and his wife and two children were leaving the country.

Following that, the BNI, Mr. Ablakwa said moved in to stop Mr. Asamoah Boateng from leaving so he could answer questions on some contracts the Information Ministry entered into under his tutelage.

He said if Asabee goes to the BNI Monday, he would be able to undertake his journey. But Asabee said he will go to the BNI only after he has been written to, to do so. Mr. Ablakwa said Asabee’s stands amounts to "setting his own rules" in dealing with the national investigative body. He reminded the former Mfantseman West MP that “his own Chief of Staff (Kwadwo Mpiani), and his deputy (Frank Agyekum) were invited through telephone conversation. We will see how that plays out.” He said the BNI wanted to ensure probity and accountability and entreated all former government appointees to comply.