Report by Akpeleasi Flora- 19/02/2024
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Agyapa Royalties deal, saying it is a “shady and fraudulent” agreement that has robbed Ghanaians of their mineral wealth.
The NDC made these statements at a press conference dubbed ‘Moment of Truth’ at its headquarters in Adabraka, Accra, on Monday, February 19, 2024. The press conference was led by the National Communication Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, who accused the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government of being corrupt, incompetent, and insensitive to the plight of the people.
Gyamfi said the Agyapa Royalties deal, which was approved by parliament last year, is a “scandal of monumental proportions” that has deprived the country of its fair share of revenue from its gold resources. He said the deal was just a misuse of the nation’s fund which could have been allocated to various sectors of the country facing problems.
“ My brothers and sisters, we all know what good this colossal amount of USD$12 million which is equivalent to GHS153 million Ghana cedis (i.e 1.5 trillion old Ghana cedis) could have achieved in Ghana’s bankrupt economy if it had been put to judicious use.”
Party official, Sammy Gyamfi emphasized that the USD$12 million lost to corruption could have been allocated to various critical sectors. They lamented that the amount could have covered the long-overdue allowances of National Service Personnel, prevented the tragic deaths of kidney patients due to the closure of a dialysis unit, and ensured the availability of childhood vaccines to protect infants from deadly diseases.
He also said the NDC’s presidential candidate, Mahama, has a better vision and plan for the country’s development than the incumbent.
He urged the public to support the NDC and vote for Mahama in the upcoming elections, saying he is the only leader who can restore hope and prosperity to the nation. He said the NDC will continue to expose the ills and failures of the Akufo-Addo administration and hold it accountable to the people.
