Investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, has weighed in on the bribery allegations against the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu.
He proposed that rather than Mr Iddrisu attempting to clear his name independently, it would be prudent for a Ghanaian investigative body to examine the case and ascertain his innocence.
Manasseh expressed keen interest in how Ghana’s anti-corruption agencies would handle the situation, highlighting its potential impact on the country’s global political reputation.
He emphasized that the accusations could adversely affect Iddrisu’s political standing and future prospects.
“The MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has denied damning bribery allegations against him by a South African newspaper. I’m wondering if the anti-corruption institutions in Ghana would investigate the matter. It would be in Haruna Iddrisu’s interest if the allegations were investigated and his innocence established as he argues.
“As it stands, it doesn’t look good for his image and political future. It also doesn’t look good for our anti-corruption agencies, the weakest of which has more power and more resources than the most powerful and resourceful investigative journalist in this country,” he wrote on his X page.
Manasseh’s remarks were prompted by an investigative report from News24, which implicated Iddrisu in alleged bribery activities, claiming he received over US$2.5 million (47 million rands).
The report focused on the activities of Rushil and Nishani Singh, who operated the Ghana Infrastructure Company (GIC) from 2017 to 2022, identifying the MP as a purported ‘broker’ for the company.
In response, Mr Iddrisu vehemently denied any involvement in brokering deals for GIC or receiving payments from the Singh siblings.
He refuted the allegations, stating that they not only aimed to tarnish his reputation but also undermined the trust and integrity of his position as the MP for Tamale South.
“To be clear, and for the avoidance of doubt, I have never at any point in time, received personally, directed to be paid to, benefited from, or been aware of, any unlawful, illegal or immoral payments made by either GIC or the Singhs. Also, I have never brokered any deals to benefit GIC and/or the Singhs.
“… I vehemently deny these allegations and categorically refute any implication of wrongdoing. This unfounded allegation not only seeks to tarnish my reputation but also undermines the trust and integrity of my office as the Member of Parliament for the people of Tamale South.”