FeaturedGhanaNews

Conflict of interest: How PPA boss fell foul

President Akufo-Addo suspends the chief executive officer of the Public Procurement Authority, Adjenim Boateng Adjei, over “Contracts for Sale” documentary

President Akufo-Addo has suspended the chief executive officer of the Public Procurement Authority, Adjenim Boateng Adjei. The suspension of the PPA boss follows the broadcast of allegations of conflict of interest against Adjei. These were contained in an investigative documentary by Manasseh Azure Awuni, titled Contracts for Sale.

A statement signed and issued on Thursday 22 August 2019 by the director of communications at the Office of the President, Eugene Arhin, said: “President Akufo-Addo has, subsequently, referred the allegations involving conflict of interest to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and those relating to potential acts of corruption to the Office of the Special Prosecutor, for their prompt action.”

The statement further said, “The president has also notified the chairperson of the board of the PPA to ensure that Mr A B Adjei hands over his office expeditiously to Mr Frank Mante, the deputy chief executive officer of the PPA.”

Documentary cites conflict of interest

In the Contracts for Sale documentary, the PPA boss is seen allegedly selling government contracts. Contracts were sold through his own private company Talent Discovery Ltd (TDL). 

TDL, incorporated in June 2017, has won a number of government contracts through restrictive tendering.

Manasseh Azure Awuni’s undercover encounters with the general manager of the company, Thomas Amoah, revealed that the company was selling a GHC22.3 million road contract to K-Drah Enterprise.

K-Drah Enterprise is a fake company Manasseh used for his investigation.

Code of conduct

According to the Public Service Commission code of conduct, “a public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts or is likely to conflict with the performance of the functions of his office”.

As the chief executive officer of the Public Procurement Authority, Adjenim Boateng Adjei has breached the code of conduct, the documentary argues. As such, he must be step aside for CHRAJ to investigate and present a report. CHRAJ is expected to function as duly instructed by President Akufo-Addo in a press staement.

The Public Service Commission code of conduct defines conflict of interest as a situation where a public officer’s personal interest conflicts with or is likely to conflict with the functions of his/her office.

Show More

Henry Cobblah

Henry Cobblah is a Tech Developer, Entrepreneur, and a Journalist. With over 15 Years of experience in the digital media industry, he writes for over 7 media agencies and shows up for TV and Radio discussions on Technology, Sports and Startup Discussions.

Related Articles

Back to top button

Adblock Detected

ALLOW OUR ADS