Metro Mass MD fired

The embattled Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Managing Director, Bennet Aboagye, has been asked to step aside.

The decision was taken by the board of directors to allow investigations into several allegations made against him.

A copy of a letter addressed to him on Tuesday, 17th April, 2017, signed by Ahmed Arthur, Board Chairman, and copied to the Minister for Transport, indicated, “I refer to the emergency board of directors’meeting held on 16th April, 2018 where the board held discussions with you on some allegations made against you by an employee of MMT.

“Based on the above, the board has decided to set up an investigative committee to investigate the series of allegations and give you an opportunity to respond to the allegations. In order for the committee to have an unfettered atmosphere within which to conduct its activities, the board has further decided that you proceed on leave with effect from Wednesday, 18th April, 2018.

“You are therefore, requested to hand over your duties to the deputy Managing Director in-charge of operations.”

Allegations

The MD for the State Transport Company, Bennet Aboagye, has confirmed paying an amount of GH¢40,000 to his accuser, Lawal, the security coordinator of MMT, but stated that the amount was to trap his accuser to retrieve a supposed incriminating recording from him as advised by the police CID.

A petition presented to the Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, against Mr Aboagye and the Board Chairman, Ahmed Arthur, by Lawal stated that the MD and the Board Chairman had engaged in several financial malpractices and breached several procurement laws in the acquisition of some 300 buses since taking over the company over a year ago.

Lawal has also alleged that Mr Aboagye and a leading member of the NPP, Dr Amoako Tuffuor, attempted to bribe him with GH¢40,000 when he confronted them with his evidence.

Mr Aboagye, who has denied any wrongdoing, believes he is being blackmailed.

He has also dismissed calls for his resignation, stating that he would continue to remain at post.

The Staff Union of MMT on Tuesday petitioned the Transport Minister to demand the removal of Mr Aboagye for full-scale investigations into his alleged corruption and procurement breaches.