Ghana@50 Commission to begin public hearing July 20

The Presidential Commission instituted to investigate activities of Ghana@50 will begin sitting on July 20, 2009.

Prior to the set date, the Commission has petitioned some organisations including the Prudential Bank, Social Security and National Insurance Trust, National Investment Bank and the Agricultural Development Bank to provide details of transactions they executed in relation to the celebration.

Secretary to the Commission, Barbara Sackey told Joy News the general public are also invited to give details of transactions they engaged in with the secretariat.

Information Minister, Zita Okaikoi in an interview with the media said the Commission is to investigate “lots of financial malfeasance” shrouded in the organisation of the Golden Jubilee Celebration.

She said the secretariat and organisers contracted loans without parliamentary approval, necessitating an in-depth investigation into the expenses incurred.

The Commission will use the old Parliament House for its public hearings.

An Auditor General's report on the celebration puts the total expenditure at GH¢71.70 million with only a total of GH¢31.00 million receiving approval from Parliament.

The Accounts Committee of Parliament is also to peruse details of the expenses made in the celebration.

Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline