Another suit has been filed at an Accra High Court against by the Special Prosecutor (SP), Martin A. B. K. Amidu against the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga for breaching the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) as amended, the Criminal Offences Act (Act 29) and also using public office for profit.

Six others joined in the suit are Hajia Hawa Ninchema, Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, Alex Vadze, Alhaji Abdul-Mumuni Jesewunde, Mary-Stella Adapesa and Mumuni Yakubu Nambe, all senior staff of the Bawku Municipal Assembly.

It is the second time the SP has pressed charges against the Bawku Central legislator for flouting some aspects of the Ghanaian laws.

Despite facing prosecution for allegedly evading duties and taxes, the Harvard trained lawyer this time around is on the radar of the SP for abetment to contravene the procedure to request for quotation contrary to section 20(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Sections 43(1) and 92(1) of the Public Procurement Act, 2003(as Amended) Act 663.

He is also accused of using public office for profit contrary to section 179(a) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

Particulars of Offence

According to court documents, Ayariga, aged 43 years, sometime in April, 2018, at Bawku in the Upper East Region did abet Hajia Hawa Ninchema, Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, Alex Vadze, Alhaji Abdul-Mumuni Jesewunde, and Mary-Stella Adapesa, in their capacity as the procurement entity of Bawku Municipal Assembly to contravene the procedure to request for quotation from at least three different suppliers in the procurement of one used Mercedez Benz Sprinter 315CD1 Ambulance with chassis No. WDB90663315200601 at the cost of GH?100,000.00 for the Bawku Municipal Assembly by instigating and encouraging the purchase and importation of the vehicle without the procurement entity requesting for quotations.

Ayariga is further accused of dishonestly using his office as a public officer for private benefit by branding one used Mercedez Benz Sprinter 315CD1 Ambulance with chassis No. WDB90663315200601, the property of Bawku Municipal Assembly, as being donated by him knowing very that the vehicle was procured by the use of public funds.