The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government of causing financial loss to the state through the failed Agyapa Gold Royalties deal.
At a press conference in Accra, Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer of the NDC, criticized President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, alleging that they have numerous corruption scandals.
Gyamfi highlighted recent disclosures at the Public Accounts Committee hearings, indicating that the government had committed $12 million to the botched Agyapa Gold Royalties arrangement.
He labeled these payments as cruel, unconscionable, and tantamount to corruption, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NDC referenced the Corruption Risk Assessment conducted by former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu, which found that the processes leading to the approval of the Agyapa deal violated various laws and the constitution.
According to the NDC, the deal was declared null and void by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), making the payments illegal.
The NDC pledged to retrieve the $12 million if they win the 2024 general elections and prosecute current government officials involved in the payments.
Background:
The Agyapa Mineral Royalties deal, initiated in 2020, aimed to monetize future mineral royalties. It involved creating a Special Purpose Vehicle to list on the London Stock Exchange and trade shares in exchange for future gold and mineral royalties. However, the proposal faced significant opposition from various quarters, including Civil Society, citing concerns about transparency.
