Agyapa Deal: Alliance of CSOs To Find Other Ways Of Dealing With Grievances- Dr Manteaw

The leader of the Alliance of CSOs against the Agyapa Deal, Dr. Steve Manteaw says that, the CSOs will find other ways of dealing with their grievances with regards to Agyapa Deal. 

His comment comes on the back of the Special Prosecutor, writing to the Finance Ministry, to hold on to the implementation of the Initial Public Offer (IPO), as he is yet to receive crucial documents to assist him with the corruption risk assessment documents for the deal. 

“I think his main concern as special prosecutor has to do with the corruption risk that we are weighing, the issues around… procurement irregularities and stuff like that.  

“So, He is going to look at issues within his own mandate based on his … establishment. And so, all other issues that will not fall within the remit of the special prosecutor’s mandate are issues we will find others ways of dealing with.” 

Dr. Manteaw  applauded the special prosecutor, Mr. Martin Amidu  for his efforts adding that, the Alliance of CSOs working on the Agyapa transaction were not “going to bed” because the special prosecutor has indicated that he will be looking into the matter. 

“We will continue with our administration, we will continue with our data resolvement, all with the intent of helping government, to improve on the transaction on the table.” 

The Special Prosecutor yesterday called on the Finance Ministry to hold on with its scheduled initial Public Offer (IPO) on the Agyapa royalties deal until he is done with his corruption risk assessment on the transaction. 
 
In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Finance, the special prosecutor said his office would have wished to complete its corruption risk assessment on the Agyapa Royalties Transaction very soon but for the non-submission of the information and documents pending to be submitted by the Ministry. The letter said that, the information and documents supplied by the Finance Ministry, concerned mainly, the processes for and the appointment of the Transaction Advisors which goes to the root of any corruption risk assessment. 

 
The letter also read,  

“The Information and documents relating to the identification and recommendation by the transaction advisors to your Ministry for appointment a list of other services providers and or underwriters that may be required to complete the transaction as provided in clause 2.2.1 of the mandate agreement amongst others, that are critical to any through corruption risk assessment are also outstanding. The legal opinions particularly of the principal legal advisor to the government under the Constitution are relevant to ensure compliance with her recommendations as part of any corruption risk assessment.” 
 
“In the circumstances, this Office wishes to urge you to abide by the results of the corruption risk assessment it is undertaking on the transaction before moving to the launching of the IPO transaction. This Office makes this suggestion on the grounds of prudence on your part and to also not give the impression that the mandate of this Office on prevention of corruption is of no consequence to the transaction.”