Gov't Runs away from Vodafone Report

The Government has set up an Inter-Ministerial Review Committee to examine and review the Vodafone Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) concluded with the previous Government and to make appropriate recommendations for consideration.

The Review Committee has since submitted its report to the Ministry of Communications, which has forwarded the report to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice for a legal opinion and advice.

A statement signed by the Communication’s Minister, Haruna Iddrisu says “Government is of the opinion that the Committee overstepped its remit in expressing an opinion on the constitutionality or otherwise of the transaction.”

It added that the neither the Executive nor Ministry of Communications has the powers to make such a pronouncement especially since there is a matter pending before the Supreme Court on the same subject.

The statement indicated the Government’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and respect the separation of powers principle under the 1992 Constitution since such a declaration or pronouncement on the constitutionality of International Agreements is the exclusive preserve of the Supreme Court of Ghana.

The Government, according to Haruna Iddrisu will formally state its official position on the Review Report within a fortnight and make relevant aspects of the report public after a careful examination of the Review Report and receipt of the advice of the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.