The Member of Parliament for Tamale South Constituency has refuted news publication by News24, a South African news website, dated May 13, 2024, implicating him in a scandal involving the Singhs’ Ghanaian empire, which has been linked to the murder of two individuals.
The former Minority Leader, reacting to the publication, which alleged that he engaged in corrupt practices, brokering contracts worth over GHS 400 million to the Ghana Infrastructure Company (GIC) in exchange for financial benefits denied it and expressed his commitment to uphold his reputation and integrity.
“My attention has been drawn to the above-titled publication published on 13 May 2024, by News24, a South African news website on its portal, www.news24.com. In my long public service career, I have grown accustomed to being the subject of false publications that seek to impugn my reputation, or in one way or the other, implicate me in matters that I am clueless about.
“Generally, I have considered attempts of this nature to be a hazard of the job and have usually ignored them. However, the allegations contained in this particular publication, which has sought to implicate me in bribery allegations, which according to News24, in an attempt to cover up, has led to the death of two persons, are so grave that I cannot help but respond”.
Honorable Haruna Iddrisu, MP Tamale South Constituency
The former Minority Leader, in his denial statement described the publication as baseless fabrications devoid of any factual support.
He clarified that he holds no position within Ghana Infrastructure Company, neither as a director nor a shareholder, and is not involved in its management, pointing out that the News24’s investigative report failed to provide any evidence of him receiving the alleged payments, instead resorting to speculative storytelling to implicate him.
In his statement, Honorable Haruna Iddrisu emphasized that he has never received, directed, or benefited from any payments by Ghana Infrastructure Company or the Singhs, not brokered any deals to benefit Ghana Infrastructure Company or the Singhs, and stated that the payments attributed to him were actually made to other individuals or entities, with no basis for connecting them to him.
The Tamale South Member of Parliament also denied claims made by News24 regarding the construction of his house and funding for foreign trips, stating that there is no proof provided to substantiate these allegations.
He highlighted the “illogical” nature of the claims and the lack of any concrete evidence presented by the publication to underscore his innocence.
Moreover, Honorable Haruna Iddrisu criticized News24 for its purported attempts to contact him via social media, asserting that he has publicly declared the absence of any social media accounts under his name.
He questioned the credibility of the outlet’s investigative efforts, given that a simple online search would have revealed this fact.
“I vehemently deny these allegations and categorically refute any implication of wrongdoing. This unfounded allegation not only seeks to tarnish my reputation but also undermines the trust and integrity of my office as the Member of Parliament for the people of Tamale South”
Honorable Haruna Iddrisu, MP Tamale South Constituency
Upholding Integrity and Seeking Justice
The Tamale South lawmaker in addition reaffirmed his commitment to ethical conduct and transparency, maintaining that he has never engaged in corrupt practices throughout his public service.
He called for concrete evidence to support any allegations of corruption, condemning the reliance on speculation and hearsay.
Expressing his resolve to defend his reputation, the Tamale South Member of Parliament, Honorable Haruna Iddrisu stated that he has referred the matter to his lawyers and is awaiting their advice on further action.
He stressed the importance of holding media outlets to high journalistic standards and preventing the misuse of journalistic privileges for character assassination.
He also emphasized that as a respected member of parliament, he is very committed to maintaining the trust and integrity of his office.
The News24 report characterized the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament, Honorable Iddrisu as “the Singhs’ closest associate,” alleging his involvement in bribery and corruption that purportedly led to fatal outcomes.
Specifically, the publication claimed that Honorable Iddrisu facilitated substantial contracts for GIC and received payments amounting to Forty-Seven Million Rand (R47 million).
It also accused the Tamale South Legislator of benefiting from funds directed to GIC’s director in Ghana, Asumah Dokurugu, as well as various suppliers and political campaigns.
