Speaking on The Big Issue, he suggested that blanket directive to probe all corruption claims may not be the best.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Ar7t599vtBwJbyjtXzjaNTmYKialdvuC”]”…I also urge the President not to run after every allegation as well because he has promised that every allegation will be investigated. People could be making all manner of allegations anyway and that may not be the best way to manage things.”

On the other hand, he noted the perception of corruption under the Mahama administration hurt the National Democratic Congress’ credibility, and reputations were currently on line in the New Patriotic Party, after recent allegations from within the party.

“If these kinds of things start from the party faithful, it is worrying enough so they should make sure these things are properly investigated and the persons who have been unfairly treated should also have their day in court or use other means to bring back their credibility.”

President Nana Akufo-Addo recently directed security agencies to investigate any allegations of corruption against his appointees.

This has culminated in the CID starting investigations into allegations of corruption made by Kwame Asare Obeng, also known as Kwame A-Plus, against President Akufo-Addo’s two Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Francis Asenso-Boakye, and Abu Jinapor.

Kennedy Agyapong’s claims

The CID is also looking into corruption claims by Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong against the Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.

Well aware of the firebrand personality of Kennedy Agyapong, and his outlandish comments in the past, Mr. Cudjoe reminded that the Assin Central MP had dropped some nuggets of truth in the past.

“… I think he [Kennedy Agyapong] was the same person who blew the lead on the Woyome thing… I am not saying that he may possibly be right here but he seems to be a man of his word and it is important with how influential he is in the party as well. Don’t forget the Delta 13 and the many things he said which also came to pass.”

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Don’t chase every corruption claim – Franklin Cudjoe to Nana Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The allegations were in relation to a contract given to a foreign company for the production of national identification cards

[contextly_sidebar id=”gPvEDt7mgS9SFZ736YLJ2lLHeBMfc9Nv”]Kennedy Agyapong had claimed that Ursula Owusu-Ekuful disregarded a bid [he had interest in] for a contract to print National Identification Authority (NIA) cards in favour of more expensive bidders who had paid her money.

“I welcome the investigations by the CID and even though I am yet to be contacted, I will cooperate with the law enforcement agencies to ascertain the truth… I look forward to a swift resolution of this matter”, she said in a statement refuting the allegations.

She accused the Assin Central MP of making false and ignorant claims against her and said: “a strong message needs to be sent out to those who deliberately disseminate disinformation.”

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful further dared Kennedy Agyapong to provide evidence to support his allegations “born of ignorance”.

The CID is also looking into corruption claims by Kwame Asare Obeng, also known as Kwame A-Plus, against President Akufo-Addo’s two Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Francis Asenso-Boakye, and Abu Jinapor.

This is after President Nana Akufo-Addo’s directive to the security agencies to investigate any allegations of corruption against his appointees.

In a rant on Facebook, A-Plus described the two Deputy Chiefs of Staff as thieves and called them stupid, without backing his claims with evidence.

Francis Asenso-Boakye subsequently rejected the unsubstantiated corruption claims made against him and Abu Jinapor.

A-Plus is now scheduled to meet the CID on Tuesday after he failed to honour an earlier invitation by the department.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Corruption claims: I’ll cooperate with CID – Ursula appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to him, although he wanted to honour the invitation without his lawyers, they insisted it would be appropriate he had legal representation at the meeting with the security officials.

[contextly_sidebar id=”3WT57Om4JlwPKqhzUM539qRPploQba7y”]A-Plus is being invited to substantiate claims of corruption he made against two Deputy Chiefs of Staff.

A-Plus took to Facebook earlier this week to accuse President Akufo-Addo’s two Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Francis Asenso-Boakye, and Abu Jinapor of being corrupt, without giving reasons for the accusation.

Francis Asenso-Boakye subsequently rejected the claims describing it as baseless.

It later emerged that A-Plus’ allegation against the two individuals stemmed from his desire to get an extra contract aside a BOST deal he was given under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

After receiving severe backlash from the public including some members of the government, A-Plus apologised to the President for his actions, admitting that he used the wrong platform to voice out his concerns. 

He was however still expected to honour the CID’s invitation over his claims which impugns the credibility of the two Deputy Chiefs of Staff.

His invitation comes on the back of a directive by President Akufo-Addo at the 25^th annual delegates conference of the New Patriotic Party last weekend that anyone who levels allegations of corruption against government officials must be made to provide ample evidence to that effect to ensure that the guilty officials are duly dealt with according to law.

A-Plus, who has given indications that the decision to probe his allegations further was “welcoming” told Citi News that his lawyer has communicated with the CID to allow them honour the invitation on Monday, September 4.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post I didn’t swerve CID; my lawyer wasn’t available – A-Plus appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The musician, who had earlier told Citi News that the decision to invite him to substantiate his corruption claims was “welcoming”, was expected at the Department together with the Member of Parliament Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, who also made similar claims against some government officials.

[contextly_sidebar id=”BUP0oIYzWHqWT6HUgQN6GauTODcl3oeH”]Kennedy Agyapong was, however, present for questioning at the CID today [Thursday].

Citi News sources within the security agency say the A-Plus did not give any reason for his failure to show up.

A-Plus took to Facebook earlier this week to accuse President Akufo-Addo’s two Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Francis Asenso-Boakye, and Abu Jinapor of being corrupt.

Francis Asenso-Boakye subsequently rejected the claims describing it as unsubstantiated.

It later emerged that A-Plus’ allegation against the two individuals stemmed from his desire to get an extra contract aside a $3m BOST deal he was given under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

After receiving several backlashes from the public including some members of the government, A-Plus apologised to the President for his actions, admitting that he used the wrong platform to voice out his concerns. 

He was however still expected to honour the CID’s invitation over his claims which impugns the credibility of the two Deputy Chiefs of Staff.

The invitation follows a directive by President Nana Addo, asking security agencies to invite anyone who makes allegations of corruption against his officials to provide evidence for the necessary investigation.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post A-Plus swerves CID; fails to show up for questioning appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to him, the president’s directive to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), to investigate the allegations indicate his readiness to root out corruption even within his government.

[contextly_sidebar id=”LKLkSeib6L6ZMru6rvkIT0WnF0to7OUF”]“I think so far so good. The action taken is commendable. What is important is how the state authority and for that matter, the president responds to these issues especially when the accusation is made against his appointees. Whether he will shield them or he encourages the necessary investigative bodies to do their work. I think that is the way to fight corruption and the steps taken by the president so far on this matter is commendable,” he in an interview on Eyewitness News.

President Akufo-Addo directed the Criminal Investigations Department of the Police Service to look into allegations of corruption leveled against two Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Francis Asenso Boakye and Abu Jinapor.

The allegations were made by musician and NPP sympathizer A-Plus , as well as the Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong.

The two were invited to the CID on Wednesday to give further details about the claims.

Akufo-Addo’s action corroborated a statement he made during the NPP’s 25^th annual delegates conference in the Central Region last Saturday, when he said, his government will take allegations of corruption against its officials seriously, and expects that persons who make such allegations present evidence to back their claims.

“Let me reassure you of one thing. Any allegation about corruption against any official member of my government will be investigated by the law enforcement agencies. And those who made that allegation better be prepared to support it when they are making these allegations of corruption because nobody is going to get away with it,” the President said.

Dr. Manteaw however said depending on the outcome of the investigations, the president’s reaction will demonstrate whether or not he intends to act seriously against corruption in his government.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Manteaw commends Nana Addo’s action on ‘corrupt officials’ appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

A-Plus had accused Akufo-Addo’s two Deputy Chief of Staff, Francis Asenso-Boakye and Abu Jinapor of being corrupt.

[contextly_sidebar id=”N0Q4CCuj5xPctFPxIkSdU8vbLmr57NBX”]In post on Facebook, A-Plus described the two as being “stupid” although he failed to explain their crime.

“…7 months of NPP government. So far so good except appointing some very corrupt official including the two very stupid deputy chief of staff. It’s amazing how Nana was able to appoint two thieves whose level of stupidity is the same. Arrogant and corrupt fools. You think you’ll be in power forever. Even John Mahama I was not afraid of him then you (sic),” A-Plus stated.

Kennedy Agyapong had also called for immediate investigation of A-Plus’s claims, saying he had every reason to believe that other appointees of President Akufo-Addo were also corrupt.

“Abu Jinapor and Asenso-Boakye are not the only two alleged to be involved in corrupt activities at the presidency, there are many others as well. When I started complaining about the President being surrounded by sycophants and corrupt people, I had people calling me to stop making those allegations,” he said.

Meanwhile, citifmonoline.com understands that A-Plus and Kennedy Agyapong are to appear before the CID to provide further information on their claims.

This claim comes on the back of a directive President Akufo-Addo gave to the security agencies to investigate corruption allegations made against any of his officials.

“Let me reassure you of one thing. Any allegation about corruption against any official member of my government will be investigated by the law enforcement agencies. And those who made that allegation better be prepared to support it when they are making these allegations of corruption because nobody is going to get away with it,” the President said.

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By: Franklin Badu Jnr/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post CID invites Kennedy Agyapong, A-Plus over corruption claims appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He has also sued Multimedia’s Asempa FM as well as Kennedy Agyapong’s Madina-based Oman FM, for using their platforms to tarnish his reputation.

[contextly_sidebar id=”aiucuGxHEyAoaLeya3BAdcdjjpOi88jR”]He said the allegation by Kennedy Agyapong was a deliberate and malicious plan to reduce him in the estimation of all right-thinking members of society as a corrupt and dishonest former public official.

He is, therefore, seeking a declaration by the court that among other things, Kennedy Agyapong renders an unqualified apology to him within 14 days and also pay a sum of GHs5 million to him in general damages for defamation.

According to Kwame Awuah-Darko, Kennedy Agyapong, who also owns Oman FM, alleged on the two FM stations that he [Kwame Awuah-Darko] had embezzled state funds and was currently living outside the country.

He said Kennedy Agyapong said on Asempa FM that, “Kwame Awuah-Darko, when we search his account, we found 100 million dollars… He has run away, now living abroad… He shuttles between Virginia, South Africa and Dubai. I have been monitoring him seriously… These people are wicked people…”

He noted in the suit that, the legislator in the evening on Oman FM, said, “the crimes these people commit must not go unpunished. So far the documents I have in my possession shows (slc) an embezzlement of 230 million dollars recorded as losses for BOST under Awuah-Darko… and then his own bank account after we tracked him down, we discovered an amount of 100 million dollars. These guys don’t even know how to steal. He didn’t even know that we could track him… 100 million dollars… yes 100 million dollars.”

But the former BOST CEO says these claims are untrue. According to the former BOST CEO, Mr. Agyapong also made some false claims that he [Awuah-Darko], was not qualified to have occupied public office.

Other reliefs Mr. Awuah-Darko is seeking includes a perpetual restraining order on the defendants from uttering and publishing any defamatory words against him and also the payment of the cost of his lawyer’s fees.

Defamation: Senyo Hosi sues Ken Agyapong for GHc8m

Mr. Awuah Darko’s suit follows a similar one by the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), Senyo Hosi, who has also sued the outspoken member of the governing NPP, Kennedy Agyapong for defamation.

Joined to the suit are Kencity Media limited, a company that manages Oman FM and Net2 TV, all owned by Kennedy Agyapong and the Deputy Executive Director of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Afia Akoto.

Senyo Hosi is demanding GHc 5 million from Kennedy Agyapong, GHc3 million from Kencity and GHc1 million from Afia Akoto.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Awuah Darko sues Ken Agyapong, 2 firms for defamation appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to the Assin Central legislator, Mr. Nketia owes him $200 as money he borrowed to pay his electricity bills while serving as MP for the Wenchi West Constituency and has since not paid him back.

Mr. Agyapong said, he has since lost respect for Asiedu Nketia.

Mr. Agyapong was speaking in Bawku at the campaign launch of NPP parliamentary candidate for Bawku central constituency Gabiana Abugri.

“In Ghana politics is cheap and in this country we listen to Asiedu Nketia, a man who could not even pay his electricity bills. Asiedu Nketia he owes me $200 up to now he hasn’t paid, I don’t know if he is going to pay me tomorrow. I don’t respect Asiedu Nketia  because he owes me and cannot pay or he should pay me and I will stop talking about it.”

“When Mr. Nketia comes to Bawku, ask him that, when he was a parliamentarian, he came to me(Kennedy Agyapong) that he was disconnected for owing electricity bills and borrowed $200 to offset the debt but has since not paid when is he going to pay?”

Mr. Agyapong  emphasized that, the character of people like Asiedu Nketia and cohort of the NDC do not deserve to be retained in office.

He urged the constituents of Bawku central to vote massively for Gabiana Abugri to become MP and Nana Addo as president to bring change and prosperity to the people of Bawku.

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By: Frederick Awuni/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Asiedu Nketia still owes me $200 – Kennedy Agyapong appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The legislator, while addressing thousands of party supporters at the launch of the NPP’s election 2016 campaign manifesto in Accra, vowed that the NPP will ensure that plots to rig the election fail.

“The NDC and the EC have planned to rig the upcoming elections, but when you look at all these young men gathered here, there is no way we will ever allow them rig the elections, never,” Kenney Agyapong said.

The outspoken MP who is known to have criticized the appointment of Charlotte Osei as the Electoral Commission boss earlier this year, added that “for those who have taken money and rented apartments in New Jersey [USA] and have sent their children and husband there so that even when Nana Addo [of the NPP] wins, she will make Mahama win, that will never happen.”

He called on party supporters to remain vigilant on election day, and police the various polling stations to ensure that thugs do not tamper with the electoral process.

“You should all be ready, on the day of the election, everyone should be there, when they [the thugs] come and they see you there, there is no way they can misbehave,’ Kennedy Agyapong concluded.

‘NDC are masters in election rigging’ 

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, had earlier described the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a party with a penchant for rigging elections.

The NPP Flagbearer’s jabs were in response to the NDC Running Mate, Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, warning Ghanaians to be wary of attempts at rigging from the NPP during an address at Asawase in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking during his tour in the Ablekuma West constituency, Nana Akufo-Addo said, “what I know is that when it comes to rigging, they [NDC] are masters with a copyright in it. We will never do that, our party is very democratic.”

He further hailed the electorates apparent resolve to the embrace the NPP during the upcoming polls.

‘NDC plotting to rig elections’

Also in the Ashaiman constituency, the NPP has accused the NDC in the area of plotting to rig the upcoming elections.

The party’s Constituency Coordinator, Thomas Adongo, said the NDC has been victorious in the constituency over the years because “they have members who have been helping them to rig elections.”

But the Ashaiman constituency organizer of the NDC in a rebuttal described the allegations as unfounded. He said the party has set a target of 85,000 votes in this year’s election, which will be realized come December 7.

“It is unfounded, that is why I say they are allegations. We win our elections from the polling stations. Why do we have to rig?” he questioned.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post NDC, EC scheming to rig 2016 elections – Kennedy Agyapong appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.