Mills orders investigations into Wayongo contract allegations

Deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

The president, John Evans Atta Mills, has instituted investigations into allegations of corruption and abuse of office levelled against the Upper East Regional Minister.

Mark Wayongo is said to have awarded a contract worth about a million Ghana cedis to his nephew in flagrant violation of the procurement law.

He is alleged to have advertised the contract one clear month after awarding to his nephew, just to cover up his misdeeds.

Two employees of the Regional Co-ordinating Council have filed a writ at the Bolgatanga High Court seeking a declaration of the contract null and void.

Party supporters and interest groups including the Ghana Integrity Initiative have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.

In an interview with Joy News' Dzifa Bampoh on Tuesday, deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the president has duly caused an investigation into the allegations to be conducted.

“For now it is a preliminary work which is being carried out by national security to determine if there is a prima facie case,” he said, adding the appropriate agency will be roped in depending on the outcome of the investigations.

He said no appointee found culpable of corrupt activities will be spared.

He charged all appointees to abide by the laws of the county, failure which they will be punished accordingly.

Okudzeto Ablakwa also reiterated government's commitment to fighting corruption in the country.

Play the attached audio for excerpts of the interview

Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana