Merchant Bank Ghana And Fortiz: We Need Answers

As a SSNIT contributor I have the right to state my views which I believe is shared by other contributors. There are many questions that need answers, and unfortunately the whole deal reeks with corruption, conflict of interest and manipulation and the abuse of powers.

• Why should one of the main debtors of Merchant Bank, the President's brother be one of those forming part and contributing to the group forming this the group; meaning he has money to pay off this debts to Merchant Bank, but because of his political affiliation and with impunity has decided to rather own the same bank his debt has ran down. This is only possible in Ghana, and personally it is insulting to me. Does he think we are stupid in Ghana or what?

• When the president says he is fighting corruption, he should start with his brother and the governor of bank of Ghana, that's incase he is also not implicated in this deal.

• How can a group be specially formed by NDC cronies to buy a state property; how old is this group, who are its financiers, this thievery is even bigger than the NPP's lot buying state bungalows and property, so then, one will ask is the president really fighting corruption, especially when he gives one directive and then turns a blind eye to an even bigger scandal.

• How come existing banks with the needed experience and offers; institutions who sources of funds could be verified offers were turned down and the stooges at SNNIT and Bank of Ghana will rather endorse a deal with a politically driven group. One day all those who assisted this process will answer, and trust me the hammer will fall so hard on them.

• SNNIT and the Bank of Ghana have not given us any reason why they decided to sell to Fortiz; if they are honest they should publish or come out defending their decision. So far it is politicians like Kofi Adams who are campaigning for the group, of course does he really have a choice? When it's the group that funds his salary and political ambitions.

• Business should not be mixed with politics unfortunately both the NDC and NPP in Ghana have a thirst for corruption so they are always meddling in places they should not, for example, politicians sending pilgrims to their various holy lands, just by the way.

• This also reeks of money laundering and the international community should be concerned.

Now I have a few questions that when answered by those in charge of the sale of Merchant Bank to 'NDC' can convince me(us) they were indeed acting in our mutual interest, currently it seems they have managed to turn the rules around, for example, the lowest bidder wins, smile!!! This is Ghana for you, so I am very confused.

• Who and what does the Fortiz stand for? What was the reason for the name Fortiz, remember there an international group call Fortis, strange?

• Which individuals and groups make up Fortiz, please provide names, and details of all the shareholders?

• How old and what experience does the Fortiz group have in raising funds and managing a bank?

• What is the source of the Fortiz Group funds, who are the contributors to the group, who are the share holder and what percentages do they own?

• Why did it take short a period to approve the deal, when it took so long to decide on First Rand, an established bank, should it not rather be the opposite?

• Why was other offers turned down, especially those from existing banks and institutions with much more capacity?

• Is the sale to help the president brother not pay off his obligations to the bank, wow, what we won't do for family?

• Where are the numbers, so we can see how wise those who have decided to sell to Fortiz have been? Only the numbers can set them free at this stage.

• Why is President pretending there is nothing wrong with this deal, and what role is he and what influence is his brother having in this deal, posterity the next or party in power is watching?

• On what basis did the Bank of Ghana approve the sale to Fortiz, and not to First Bank, UT Bank amongst other better offers made?

• How can a debtor buy his/her creditor? And that's after the debtor has decided he was not going to pay you what he owes you. In Ghana anything is possible, isn't it?

When these few basic questions have been answered we should be ready to confer state honors to those who approved the deal in the interest of Ghana and the staff of Merchant Bank or they should out of respect for us resign with dignity, I would prefer a jail term though.

People turn to forget our history and what has lead to social upheavals such as the Arab Spring. Such blatant corruption and impunity is what will spark something dirty in this fine country of ours. When a 'few smart' men think they can own the country because of their political affiliations, but in such times we should not be surprise if we have a ' Jesus' who will rise and have the support of the masses to purge our mother land of these hungry looters who do not know when to stop.

And those businessmen who are meddling in politics seem to forget this is Africa, 'one day, one day', a word to the wise is enough. Domestication is fine, but when it's corrupt and dirty then to hell with it.

There are only few good men in Ghana, and I hope these few good men and women will stand up and fight a system which is getting out of control. God bless these few good people.

Please forgive my mistakes, but I still need answers, please help me, someone...