Investigative Article: Unveiling Financial Malfeasance at ECG under Alexander Afenyo-Markin

INTRODUCTION
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, a prominent Ghanaian politician and lawyer, has served as the Member of Parliament for the Effutu constituency and has held various significant positions, including Board Chairman of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). He is known for his legal expertise and political influence, but his tenure at ECG has come under scrutiny for alleged financial malfeasance.

ALLEGATIONS OF FINANCIAL MALFEASANCE
During Afenyo-Markin's tenure, several questionable deals have come to light. One notable instance involved the development of software at an exorbitant cost without undergoing competitive bidding. This raised concerns about the lack of due diligence and transparency in procurement processes.

ABUSE OF APPROVED PAYMENT POLICIES
ECG's approved payment policies to independent power providers have been allegedly abused, leading to significant financial losses. Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor revealed that ECG failed to clear essential equipment from the port in a timely manner, resulting in a $500,000 auction scam. The equipment, valued at $500,000, was auctioned off for just GHC100,000 and then resold to ECG for $300,000.

MISMANAGEMENT OF ECG BANK ACCOUNTS
Under Afenyo-Markin's watch, ECG managed over 75 separate company accounts, leading to significant operational inefficiencies and financial instability. The lack of proper oversight and accountability mechanisms allowed for unchecked financial activities, exacerbating the company's woes.

HOBART SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS CONTRACTS
The implementation of the ECG software Hobart in Ghana has raised significant concerns regarding adherence to due process. The financial investment in this project has been substantial, with expenditures reaching approximately $12 million. This expenditure covers a broad range of services, including database upgrades, overhauls to customer and revenue management systems, and enhancements to ECG’s metering infrastructure.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SANCTIONS
Given the serious allegations of financial malfeasance during Alexander Afenyo-Markin's tenure as Board Chairman of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), it is imperative to consider appropriate sanctions. These recommendations aim to ensure accountability, transparency, and the restoration of public trust:

1. Investigation and Disclosure: Alexander Afenyo-Markin should be subjected to a thorough investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to uncover any financial misconduct. He must provide a full disclosure of his wealth acquisition and financial transactions during his tenure at ECG.

2. Withdrawal of Immunities: If evidence of wrongdoing is found, the Parliament should consider the withdrawal of Afenyo-Markin's parliamentary immunities to allow for legal proceedings to take place.

3. PUBLIC APOLOGY AND REPARATIONS: Afenyo-Markin should issue a public apology to the people of Ghana and commit to returning any misappropriated funds. He should also provide reparations to the state to compensate for any financial losses incurred due to his actions.

4. Legal Proceedings: Afenyo-Markin should present himself before a televised court procedure to face the full force of the law. This will ensure transparency and accountability in the judicial process.

5. Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms: The government should implement stronger oversight mechanisms within state-owned enterprises like ECG to prevent future instances of financial malfeasance. This includes regular audits, enhanced transparency measures, and stricter enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

CONCLUSION
"Is Alexander Afenyo-Markin's vociferous defense of Ken Ofori-Atta and opposition to the ORAL Committee driven by fear of his own skeletons in the closet?"

As Chinua Achebe once said, "An African does not reveal his character until he has power." It is time for Alexander Afenyo-Markin to demonstrate his character by facing the consequences of his actions. We call upon Afenyo-Markin to present himself before a televised court procedure, where he can be subjected to the full force of the law. He must be prepared to return all misappropriated funds and provide reparations to the state of Ghana. Furthermore, an unqualified apology to the people of Ghana is necessary to begin the process of healing and rebuilding trust.

A wise Dogomba proverb by Fusaini Isah reminds us, "The eye does not see its own eyebrow." This signifies that no one is above the law, and accountability is a cornerstone of a just society. The strength and perseverance of the Ghanaian people have been tested by the economic hardships inflicted by policies implemented during Afenyo-Markin's tenure. It is time for justice to be served, and for those responsible to be held accountable in a transparent and public manner.

As the Bible says in Luke 12:48, "To whom much is given, much will be required." It is time for Alexander Afenyo-Markin to fulfill this moral obligation to the people of Ghana.

The allegations against Alexander Afenyo-Markin highlight the urgent need for transparency and accountability within ECG. It is imperative that he opens up and provides a full disclosure of his wealth acquisition to restore public trust and ensure that any wrongdoing is addressed. Afenyo-Markin should voluntarily make himself available to the OSP and the Minister of Energy's ongoing investigations.

Retired Senior Citizen
Teshie-Nungua