PDS deal: Mahama needs to show concern for Ghanaians - STRANEK

The flagbearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2020 presidential elections, John Dramani Mahama must speak on the Power Distribution Services (PDS) deal, Strategic Thinkers Network, (STRANEK-Africa), has said in a statement.

The government of Ghana recently suspended its concession agreement with PDS.

The decision was communicated via a press release by Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah on Tuesday, 30 July 2019.

The statement said the action to put the agreement on hold was necessitated by “the detection of fundamental and material breaches of PDS’ obligation in the provision of Payment Securities (Demand Guarantees) for the transaction which have been discovered upon further due diligence”.

The government said a full probe has been initiated into the agreement and steps have been taken to ensure that “distribution, billing and payment services continue uninterrupted”.

The Minority in Parliament has also petitioned the US government to investigations issues surrounding the deal.

“The Minority seeks to trigger investigations under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of the United States of America especially after a clearer picture is now emerging that the Akufo-Addo Government stands complicit with top functionaries and cronies neck deep in the putrescent sleaze.

“The Akufo-Addo Government, therefore, cannot be trusted to conduct thorough and independent investigations into this scandal of monumental proportions.”

“Besides, the Minority like most Ghanaians have grown sceptical about so-called investigations by the Akufo-Addo Administration since a countless number of these investigations only end up clearing appointees. The reports are never published and the real culprits are never identified and punished,” the minority’s petition stated.

STRANEK Africa, in a statement signed by Nii Tettey Tetteh, Executive Director said : “It is trite knowing that Former President John Mahama signed the Second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact after Ghana successfully implemented Compact 1 of the MCC.

“The issues emanating from the PDS scandal and the United States of America’s calling for thorough investigation of the PDS contract makes the time ripe for the Flagbearer of the Largest Opposition Party, NDC to speak since he began the ECG concession process.

“The leader of the largest opposition party’s interest and his interest in Ghanaians is paramount hence Ghanaians wish to know the former President’s vision for ECG under the Millennium Challenge Cooperation Compact.

“The people of Ghana want to also know his take about the current issues surrounding the PDS-ECG saga and what he would have done differently.

“Corruption is on the rise hence Ghanaians are really interested in how he will deal with the current corruption related issues.

It added “STRANEK-Africa is expectant of his response to the citizens of Ghana on this scandal as soon as possible if he really cares about the plight of the Ghanaian.

“The flagbearer of the largest opposition party’s response will indicate whether his interest lies with the looters or whether he is benefiting from the rot we currently see.

“Ghanaians are eager to hear the opinions of the former President about current national issues now and not when campaign season finally kicks in.

“STRANEK-Africa opines that it is time for H.E. John Mahama to show his sensitivity and concern for the ordinary Ghanaian if he really cares about Ghanaians.