RE: I used to take 10% of contract sums before awarding them - Former MCE

Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, the former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Obuasi, has denied ever saying he used to take 10% ransom on government contracts before awarding them.

According to him, he stated in generic terms during an interview that “people take money from contractors to pay assembly members to get confirmation as MMDCES, I cited the Tech to Oforikrom road construction which has not been completed, yet its developing potholes, Krofrom traffic light through to Dichemso junction, Angel FM to Akokospecs road because before we award contracts 10% has already been taken hence the quality of those roads.”

He added that if there is anything that hampers the progress of local government it is the centralization of funds and corruption.

Mr Agyemang Boadi, was quoted in a Mynewsgh story that he said, “I have said several times that I don’t know what the NDC and the NPP are seeking from Ghanaians, because sometimes when I sit here, I see that I’m part of the problem; let anyone who says he’s holy and not part of the disappointment by the political class to Ghanaians, let him come and say.”

“May the Lord be merciful to me and judge me according to my honesty and mischief; we will all die and face judgment as the bible says; so I, Kwesi Ofori Agyemang, I concede that of the political class who have let Ghana down, I’m the number one, I’m the first”, the report stated further.

His response is stated below;

"I never said I have taken 10% before awarding a contract, I was speaking to the referendum issue and I did say that if there is anything that hampers the progress of local government it is the centralization of funds and corruption.

I said in generic terms that people take money from contractors to pay assembly members to get confirmation as MMDCES, I cited the tech to Oforikrom road construction which has not completed yet its developing potholes, Krofrom traffic light through to Dichemso junction, Angel FM to Akokospecs road because before we award contracts 10% has already been taken hence the quality of those roads.

So, we should not bring expensive primaries for political parties at the grassroots level but we must put in place mechanisms to minimize CORRUPTION at the local assemblies. I said it in generic terms and they have mischievously decided to personalize it on me."