Don’t be surprised if Osafo Maafo is arrested - Agyenim Boateng

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Category: Briefs & Memos

Created on Tuesday, 07 February 2012 19:32

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Education, Youth and Sports Minister, Yaw Osafo Maafo in the erstwhile Kufuor government on the Woyome saga, he (Osafo Maafo) could be arrested by the police.

Agyenim Boateng said Osafo Maafo cannot exonerate himself from the circumstances leading to the abrogation of a contract purported to have been won by Alfred Agbesi Woyome to build three stadia prior to the African Cup of Nations Tournament in 2008.

Mr. Woyome sued government for an abrogation of a contract and was awarded of a GH¢58million judgement debt as compensation. However, Yaw Osafo Maafo, a leading member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) indicted in the Woyome saga was said to have outsmarted the police Friday, when they stormed his house to arrest him given his role in the Woyome scandal. In a rebuttal, the former Education Minister debunked the allegation and stated emphatically that he is anxious to honour any invitation by the police.

Mr. Osafo Maafo said he is clean of the allegation being leveled against him and is prepared to give additional information to aid in investigations into the issue. Speaking on Asempa FM's Ekosii Sen programme Monday, James Agyenim Boateng said Osafo Maafo shot himself in the foot by throwing a challenge to the police.

He noted that Osafo Maafo could have done himself a lot of good if he had made himself available to Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to answer questions on his role in the entire scandal.

James Agyenim Boateng stressed that an invitation by the EOCO does not make one guilty but only made one a suspect in the entire Woyome saga and that he cannot comprehend the boycott by the NPP.

He stated that the decision of the NPP not to appear before EOCO exposes their lack of commitment to fighting corruption in the country.

“NPP has no track record in terms of fighting against corruption’; they have no moral right at all as far as this matter is concerned” he added.

The Deputy Information Minister warned the public not to see the police's decision to invite members of the NPP involved in the issue as a witch-hunt since their action and inaction contributed immensely to the topical issue.

James Agyenim Boateng took a swipe at the NPP for exhibiting double standards when it comes to the mandate of EOCO.

“The NPP in one breath said EOCO's report is in contempt of court but they turn around and quote the same EOCO report for “political opportunism” he bemoaned.

Source: Adwoa Gyasiwaa Myjoyonline.com