Ghana's interest will be served by the end of the PDS enquiries - Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

The Government of Ghana has come under a lot of scrutiny after the suspension of Concession of Power to Power Distribution Service due to alleged contract fraud. The issue has been dominating the headlines since the announcement of the suspension.

Addressing the media in the Ashanti Region on Friday, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah called on the public to be patient as Government makes inquiries about the deal.

The minister also rubbished the NDC's claims suggesting it was an attempt to conspire and take the National asset. He further encouraged the media and the public to dismiss any propaganda moves by their political opponents.

" On the ongoing enquiry into PDS matters, arrangements to ensure smooth operation in electricity billing and collection, even this period ,where the PDS enquiries has commenced, continue smoothly without incident"

"Just yesterday, for the first a joint statement was issued between PDS and ECG explaining some of the protocols that they have arrived at to ensure that even this period service is uninterrupted and value is delivered to people.

"Government wants to reiterate its commitment to ensure that the people of Ghana are best served in the ongoing enquiries into the PDS concession agreement", he said.

He also insisted it's the government agencies that raised the red flags with the PDS guarantees, necessitating the commencement of the enquiries.

"Government wants to remind the general public that, contrary to what some persons would have them believe, it's the due diligence of the government agencies that has raised the red flag with the PDS guarantees, and which red flags are the ones that has led to this ongoing enquiry.

"Already the team has been to Qatar and has done a good chunk of work and will report to government when he returns to Ghana. Subsequent to that, the Republic will take the next step and decision that will serve as well for this country".

The Minister also clarified that the take over is not complete until September.

"What is important to note is that, during this continuous due diligence that is going on, please remember the deal is not sealed until September, when the condition have all been completed. And at any point in time as we go through the process until September, if something is found wrong the republic has an option that they can exercise under this agreement"

"What is important is that, the government of Ghana under the Akuffo Addo's administration having noticed these red flags quickly moved to secure the interest of the state, our asset cash and non cash assets. We quickly moved to ensure it was suspended and frozen. And that the interest of the state is secured"

"The administration didn't not seek to find a ways of covering up anything or been funny behind the scenes. But it was upfront, bold and clear to say let us in good faith tell the people of Ghana that this is the challenge we have cited and we are suspending to preserve the interest of the state and when we find out the clarity of those matters, we will again uprise the country and move to the next stage."

The information minister also touched on the implementation of the mid-year budget by reiterating government's commitment to deliver on it promise.

He also assured the media Akuffo Addo's administration will do everything possible to implement the Right to Information (RTI) Bill for the media to get easy asses to information.

He also promised the media government will do everything to protect them and ensure free expression and media freedom.