Ablakwa Unmasks ADB's $750K 'Midnight Deal, Calls for Accountability

Dec 27, 2024 - 22:00

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is MP for North Tongu

Accra, Ghana - December 27, 2024 - A major scandal is unfolding in Ghana's financial sector, as the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) faces allegations of reckless and unpatriotic behavior over a last-minute contract approval.

According to Hon. Sameul Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, who broke the news on his X account (formerly Twitter), the ADB Board hastily approved a US$750,000 electronic servicing agreement with Virtual Security Africa, despite negotiations being incomplete and the agreement still in draft form.

Ablakwa revealed that officials are under extreme political pressure to effect full payment by December 27, 2024, sparking concerns of a lack of transparency and accountability.

The controversy has raised questions about the outgoing Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration's commitment to good governance, particularly in light of a clear caution from the President-elect's Transition Team against such last-minute transactions.

Ablakwa, who exposed the controversy warned public officials that they will be held accountable for any unlawful payments made under political pressure.

''Intercepted memos continue to expose reckless and unpatriotic officials of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government for awarding sleazy midnight contracts and insisting on full payments before January 7, 2025. The Board of the Agricultural Department Bank (ADB) met 3 days ago and hurriedly approved a controversial electronic servicing agreement valued at US$750,000.00 (GHS12million).

''Deep throat sources at ADB tell me they are under extreme political pressure to effect full payment by tomorrow the 27th of December, 2024. Top ADB insiders are shocked at the Board’s decision because apart from this deal not going through the audit department, negotiations with the vendor, Virtual Security Africa have not been concluded, particularly as the main agreement is still in draft form.

''The mad rush for midnight contracts and payments have reached uncontrollable levels despite a clear caution from the President-elect’s Transition Team — a caution consistent with what the NPP demanded in 2016,'' portions of his statement on X read.