NPP challenges gov't to fasttract retrieval of Waterville money

Sir John

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is challenging government to fast-track efforts to retrieve some €25 million illegally paid to construction firm, Waterville Holding Ltd.

The NPP is asking government to make public the plan it intends to follow to retrieve the money.

This comes on the back of a Supreme Court ruling ordering Waterville to return to the state €25 million ($47 million) it obtained illegally arising out of claims it brought against the state in 2009.

Former Attorney-General, Martin Amidu who won the landmark case against Waterville has been hailed by many for seeking the interest of the state.

Speaking on CitiFM Wednesday, General Secretary of the NPP, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie said it would be in the interest of government to be very transparent with Ghanaians on the matter.

According to him, any attempt by the Mahama-led administration to adopt secretive measures in retrieving the money will backfire.

Sir John as he is popularly called added that the only way Ghanaians will know the money has been retrieved from Waterville is for government to make public disclosure.

"It will do government a lot of good by being transparent with the people of this country and ensuring that they carry out the court's order. This money could be used to build hospitals and pay doctors' salaries" he said.

Mr. Afriyie urged government to treat the issue with all seriousness and ensure the right thing is done.