The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Director of Communications, Mr Richard Ahiagbah, has dismissed the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s investigation into corruption allegations surrounding the Agyapa Royalties deal as mere “parochial politics.” He is emphatic that there is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing in the deal that would justify legal action against those involved.
The NDC has brought the Agyapa debate back into focus after the CEO of the Minerals Income Investment Fund, Mr Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, disclosed that the government had spent $12 million on the failed deal during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sitting on Monday, February 19, 2024. The NDC has pledged to uncover any illegal payments made under the deal and ensure that those guilty of corruption are prosecuted.
Mr Ahiagbah questioned the NDC’s motives and viewed their actions as an attempt to gain political advantage. He urged Ghanaians to ignore what he described as “NDC propaganda.”
He emphasized that the Agyapa deal is intended to benefit Ghana by using a special-purpose vehicle to create value for the country. Mr Ahiagbah also criticized efforts to bring about confusion surrounding the deal for political gain.
Introduced by the NPP Government in 2020, the Agyapa Royalties deal aims to generate funds for infrastructure development through mineral royalties.