Investigations into PDS to take 30 days – Oppong Nkrumah

Government says it has formally commenced a full-scale inquiry into the detected breaches on the PDS contract and has disclosed the investigations will be completed within 30 days.

Addressing Journalists in Accra, Minister for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said the team conducting the inquiry comprises insurance investigation experts, officials of the Energy and Finance ministries and officials of the ECG and MIDA as well.

Mr. Nkrumah said the inquiry will determine the nature of the breaches and advise on suggested next steps.

“By Tuesday, the team is expected in DOHA-Qatar as part of the inquiry. All interested parties are cooperating with the inquiry at this stage” he told reporters.

Government in statement on Tuesday 30th July 2019 suspended the concession agreement between Government of Ghana and PDS following some contractual breaches.

Mr. Nkrumah revealed that a second team has been tasked to continue engagement with the American government through its agency the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

“This engagement is about the possible next steps after the inquiry and channels for sharing information as part of this inquiry. That team is expected to also be in the USA possibly next week as part of their engagement” he added.

The Information Minister said final efforts to ensure a smooth transition between ECG and PDS officials are proceeding without incident.

He said the breach was discovered by the due diligence of the Ghanaian authorities through ECG and with the support of state agencies.

Mr. Nkrumah assured that government will update all stakeholders on the outcome of the inquiry and proceed in accordance with law and the terms of the agreement as it works towards a final resolution of the matter.