President Akufo-Addo has suspended the Chief Executive Officer of the Public Procurement Authority, Mr Agyenim Boateng Adjei, over a ‘Contracts for Sale’ documentary.
The suspension of the PPA Boss follows the broadcast of the allegations of conflict of interest made against Mr Adjei. This was contained in an investigative documentary conducted by Manasseh Azure Awuni, titled “Contracts for Sale”.
A statement signed and issued by the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Mr Eugene Arhin on Thursday – August 22, 2019 – said “President Akufo-Addo has, subsequently, referred the allegations involving conflict of interest to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and those relating to potential acts of corruption to the Office of Special Prosecutor, for their prompt action.”
The statement said, “The President has also notified the Chairperson of the Board of the PPA to ensure that Mr A.B. Adjei hands over his office expeditiously to Mr Frank Mante, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the PPA.”
Documentary citing Conflict of Interest
In the Contract For Sale’ documentary, the PPA boss is seen allegedly selling government contracts. Contracts were sold through his own private company Talent Discovery Limited (TDL).
TDL, incorporated in June 2017, has won a number of government contracts through restrictive tendering.
The journalist’s undercover encounters with the General Manager of the Company, Thomas Amoah, revealed that the company was selling a ¢22.3 million road contract to K-Drah Enterprise. K-Drah Enterprise is a fake company Manasseh used for the investigation.
The Code of Conduct
Meanwhile, according to the Public Service Commission Code of Conduct, “a public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts or is likely to conflict with the performance of the functions of his office”
Therefore, the Chief Executive Officer of the Public Procurement Authority, Mr Agyenim Boateng Adjei has breached the code of conduct. As such he must be step aside for CHRAJ to investigate and present its report. CHRAJ is expected to function as duly instructed by President Akufo-Addo in a press staement.
The Public Service Commission Code of Conduct explains Conflict of Interest as a situation where a public officer’s personal interest conflicts with or is likely to conflict with the functions of
his/her office.
