A 41 million-Cedi donation to President Kufuor to cover the expenses incurred on the renovation of his private residence is set to spark a row between the government and the opposition. The NDC minority in Parliament is demanding that government return the money immediately to the Kumasi-based farmer, Kwame Marfo who donated it.
According to the minority, the donation amounts to a bribe, which could give Mr Marfo an undue influence over the President. A statement from the Minority Leader’s office said the donation, also serves as a bad precedent for civil and public servants and also compromises President Kufuor’s avowed zero tolerance for corruption.
The NDC wants to see former Works and Housing Minister, Kwamena Bartels, reprimanded by the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice for allegedly arranging the controversial donation.
CHRAJ has also been requested to investigate the cost of the renovation works on the President’s Airport residence and establish the source of the money used to fund the project. The NDC minority says the amount established by the audit should be surcharged against the President with periodic deductions from his salary and allowances over the next four years.
Mr Kwesi Marfo, the farmer who donated the money, said at the time of the presentation that he wanted to end once and for all the rumpus over the renovation of the President’s private residence but the controversy is just about starting.
It will be recalled that just after taking office, the President decided to renovate his private residence, which he was using as official residence and sometimes offices, citing security as the main reason. This, however sparked controversy with members of the public demanding that the President himself pays for the renovation works. News suddenly came out that a Kumasi-based farmer has paid for the renovation and that ended the rumpus.
