General News of Tuesday, 5 December 2017

Source: kasapafmonline.com

Senior Minister commended for criticizing Akufo Addo over Jospong

Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Senior Minister Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Senior Minister

Anti-corruption campaigner, Vitus Azeem has said Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Marfo’s criticism of President Akufo Addo’s endorsement of the Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Joseph Siaw Agyapong vindicates anti-corruption campaigners.

The Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Marfo on Monday questioned President Akufo-Addo’s approval of the activities of Mr Joseph Siaw Agyapong.

The Jospong Group of Companies is being investigated for inflating costs of some contracts it executed under the erstwhile John Dramani Mahama administration.

But during a visit to the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant at Adjen Kotoku, President Akufo-Addo acclaimed for being incorruptible praised Mr. Siaw-Agyapong in spite of the alleged scandals against him much to the chagrin of anti-corruption campaigners.

“…More grease to your elbow and the contribution you are making to our social life is inestimable,” president Akufo-Addo said of Mr. Siaw Agyepong.

“When you are at the forefront of doing things, like you are, you will be the subject of controversy, it goes with the territory. I know you a little bit, and I know you are capable of handling it. Stay focused,” he added.

Addressing a forum to launch this year’s national anti-corruption and transparency week in Accra, the Senior Minister stated that the president’s comment was not right.

“It’s certainly not right. It will give the wrong signals if you are seen to be pampering or endorsing a known wrong doer…That one is not right,” he thundered emphatically.

In an interview with Starr News, Vitus Azeem said it is commendable to have such sharp opposing views in a political party.

“One will say they don’t don’t agree with each other on this particular issue and it’s good that somebody working under the President can come out and say this was not property which supports those of us who’re saying the same thing. So it’s not only we outside the system that are actually condemning that commendation but even people within the inner circle also think that the President made a mistake, so that sort of strengthens our stance.”