Parliament to probe bribery claim at Ghana Standard Authority

Parliament’s Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee says it will investigate the bribery allegations against a former Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority.

The Committee said it will interrogate the relevant people in connection with the $1.2 million kickback allegedly received by Dr George Crentsil from a contractor.

Committee Chairman, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover told Adom FM Wednesday, he will summon the committee members when Parliament reconvenes.

Related Article: Former Standards Authority Director cited in $1.2m kickback scandal

Former GSA Executive Director, Dr George Crentsil
“Nothing can stop the current committee from going into the issue…as the Chairman I need to meet with my members and we will study the report,” he said.

The former GSA Director-General has been cited by an investigative report intercepted by Joy News as having taken a $1.2 million bribe from a construction company, Lemet Construction.

Related Article: GSA kickback report embarrassing; Crentsil must confess- PRO

The company was awarded a contract to construct a new block of the Standards Authority Training School at a cost of GHS15 million.

Although the report did not state why the money was given out, it said Dr Crentsil admitted receiving some money.

He is said to have received the money in two tranches, $1 million on one occasion and $200,000 on another occasion.

Related Article: $1.2m kickback scandal: Trade Ministry requests forensic audit

The report is said to have been submitted by the GSA Board of Directors to then Trade Minister, Dr Ekwow Spio-Gabrah on his last day in office.

The new Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen has directed a forensic audit into the allegation.

Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen
In a letter addressed to the Senior Minister, Mr Yaw Osafo Maafo, the Trade Minister wants the activities of GSA under the leadership of Dr Crentsil to be probed.

Mr Titus-Glover said Parliament’s decision to investigate the matter will complement what the government is doing.

He said the Trade Committee will meet when the House reconvenes on either May 30 or June 11, 2017.

“If possible we can ask for a copy of the report to study it [and] we will invite whoever is involved for clarification,” he said.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | Adom News | Abednego Asante Asiedu