Kufuor Speaks On Malam Issa

President John Agyekum Kufuor yesterday closed the chapter on the Malam Ali Yusuf Issa saga by proffering his personal version about the events that led to the ouster of the former Youth and Sports Minister.

He explained at his maiden and historic news conference that he sacked the former Minister for failing to report the loss of the money on his return from Sudan and also because he (Malam Issa) went against an undertaking he had given earlier to resign over the reported loss of the $46,000 meant to be paid as winning bonuses to players of the senior national team, the Black Stars. The news conference was attended by media representatives from both the private and state-owned.

Several Ministers of State were also in attendance. Narrating his tale on the Malam Issa saga, including his reported resignation, his vehement denials on radio stations and the subsequent revocation of his appointment, President Kufuor defended his embattled Spokesperson, Madam Elizabeth Ohene, who became the butt of public criticism over the manner she handled the issue.

The President said, Malam was prevailed upon to resign honourably, which he did at first, but later went on radio stations denying he had resigned. "Keeping the money in the hold of the plane and failing to inform the government about the loss of the money weeks after returning from his trip was not the sensible thing for a man of his calibre to do." In the unfolding drama and apparent twist of events, the President explained that he was left with no option but to revoke his appointment. The President's stimely explanation has laid to rest the embarrassing spins placed on the saga in the wake of the Malam's resignation by several people, including leading members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Malam Issa was sacked by the President, barely two months after he was sworn into office over the loss of the money. The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) is investigating the matter. President Kufuor also supported calls for a comprehensive probe of the Youth and Sports Ministry and pledged that whoever adverse findings are made against would be made to face the full rigours of the law.