The President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete, has fired his Land and Housing Minister for taking $1million from a businessman.
The Minister, Anna Tibaijuka has been accused of failing to show “due diligence” when taking the money but she has denied any wrongdoing.
Ms Tibaijuka is also reported to have dismissed calls by Tanzania’s Parliament for her to step down.
She insisted that the $1million was donated to a school where she serves as a fundraiser.
Reuters news agency has quoted the Tanzanian President as saying, the Land and Housing Minister was sacked from his government because “one of the biggest questions raised is why this money was not paid directly to the school and was instead deposited in a personal bank account in her name.”
President Kikwete who took over power in 2005 promised to tackle corruption in the country and Ms Tibaijuka is the latest person to be dismissed from his government.
The fate of the country’s Energy Minister also hangs on a balance following the allegation of authorization of payment of about $120m to an energy firm by Attorney-General Frederick Werema.
Mr. Werema although denied the allegation, resigned on December 17.
The Energy Minister is currently under investigation.
By: citifmonline.com/Ghana