NDC not corrupt-minded as NPP – Kunbuor

Majority Leader Dr Benjamin Kunbuor says the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is not corrupt-minded as the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Reacting to allegations by some opposition elements that the majority MPs received about US$10,000 each from the Executive in connection with the sale of Merchant Bank, Dr Kunbuor told Radio XYZ’s Strict Proof on Thursday that: “…When somebody believes that if he were in a particular position he will conduct himself in a particular way, he or she begins to assume that others will conduct themselves in that way. What is the interest of members of the Majority to receive monies from the Executive for what?”

The sale of Merchant Bank to Fortiz Private Equity Fund has been a matter of legal debate mired in political controversy.

While the Majority in Parliament has given the transaction a clean bill of health, the Minority and some civil society organisations, including the Centre for Freedom Accuracy (CFA), are suspicious of the sale.

An attempt by the Minority to have parliament debate the sale fell through after the Speaker ruled that debating the matter would amount to usurping the powers of the Court.

Anti-graft Campaigner Andy Awuni, Executive Director of the CFA, who is challenging the sale in Court, got his case thrown out for want of locus but has filed an appeal which is yet to be heard.

Fortiz is now the registered and legal owner of the Bank after paying Ghc90 million for 90 % shares of former owner Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).