Regional Minister spends GHC 97,000 on office

....reacts to media reports about frivolous spending

Sunyani, June 20, GNA - The Brong-Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) on Thursday debunked media reports that Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, the Regional Minister had spent GHC 97,000 on the renovation of his office.

Mr. Francis O. Boateng, Regional Co-ordinating Director, told a press conference that a total amount of GHC 9,700 was spent on the project.

The project comprised the removal of two pillars in the Minister's office, re-ceiling and tiling, replacement of a faulty air conditioner and other works at his secretary's office. Mr. Boateng said the co-ordinating council engaged the services of the Architectural Engineering Services Limited for the evaluation and cost of the works, to facilitate tender and bidding. The Chief Director said: "After the works had passed through the necessary procedures in the Procurement Act, the contract was awarded to TENNEB MAS Construction Firm."

"As at now the RCC has not paid even a pesewa to the contractor because there is no money", Mr. Boateng added. Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo had earlier on refuted the allegations, saying his administration is not in the position to have any "chaotic confrontation" with the media and asked journalists to cross-check their facts before disseminating them.

Mr. Eric Opoku, Deputy Regional Minister, reiterated the importance for the co-ordinating council and the media to co-operate to promote the free flow of credible information to the public. "The Regional Minister has no power to sign any cheque to pay anybody", he said, adding "he however has the power to authorize payments".

Mr. Charles Koomson, Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) appealed to his colleagues to be circumspect in their reportage in order not to create unnecessary tension. Mr. Koomson who is also the Regional Manager of the Ghana News Agency GNA) underscored the need for media personnel who were not members of the GJA, to join the association to ensure efficient journalism needed for nation building.

"Journalism is meant to integrate the people and for that matter the State and not to disintegrate. As members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, we must always be guided by the ethics of the profession", he stated.