We didn’t bribe DICs – Spio Gabrah

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Ekow Spio Gabrah has moved to shut down claims it’s recent financial overtures to some companies to help it defray monies it owed Information Technology Service provider BanksWitch was not bribe.

He’s dismissed claims the move to rope in the Destination Inspection Companies, who were written to, to help raise the said 197 million cedis judgement debt to Bankswitch is bribe, adding it was done in good spirit.

According to him, the intervention of the Ministry is solely to bid the Destination Inspection Companies(DICs) in facilitating an advanced payment of $ 35 payment to the Bankswitch company, since government didn’t have the financial muscle to pay upfront.

On Anopa Kasapa on Kasapa 102.3 FM Monday, Mr. Gabrah said government is ready to partner any company to defray its debts, and that this was one of several moves it will continue to take.

He told host Fiifi Banson that it was a matter of interest, and if any company is willing to assist the government pay the debt, through the proposed modules, its doors were opened.

He added that government only issued a proposed contract to the DICs in order to make sure that the company that assists the judgement debt payment is not economically disadvantaged but will recoup its investment over a five-year period.

The Ministry proposed an award of a contract of 0.35% of free on all imports for at least a period of five years.

Garbrah’s office wrote to the DICs offering them contracts in exchange for $35million to defray government’s GHC 197 million judgment debt owed the I.T firm.

The letter signed by the Minister informed the DICs that “any of them who can advance the government of Ghana an amount of $35 million will be awarded a contract of 0.35% on all Ghana’s imports for at least a period of five years to enable that company recover its investments.”