Investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure has alleged that some members of the Appointments Committee receive funds from the Chief of Staff to ensure the approval of ministerial nominees during vetting sessions.
According to Mr Azure, this practice is not an isolated incident but rather a routine part of the vetting process.
He mentioned that he became aware of this information while gathering data for his new book, The President We Never Got, which focuses on President Akufo-Addo.
Since the book is solely on the president, it is believed that the Chief of Staff being referenced by the journalist is Frema Opare, who has been accused of pressuring the heads of the Finance and Health Ministries to make payment to Service Auto Group Ghana Limited which has been linked to the daughters of President Akufo-Addo in the ambulance spare parts deal saga, by the Minority in Parliament.
“I also realized in the interview and investigation for the book that whenever they were having vetting there was often cash from the office of the Chief of Staff to the members of the Appointments Committee on regular basis,” he added.
@Manasseh_Azure details how Parliamentarians received monies from the Chief of Staff to pass Ministerial nominees during vetting.
— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) August 9, 2024
Full details in his new book, The President We Never Got. #JoySMS pic.twitter.com/otB4Liglxw
The book was launched on Thursday, August 8, 2024. It took place at Christ the King Parish Hall, opposite Jubilee House at 5 pm.
The Head of the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana, Prof. Alidu Seidu, reviewed the book at the launch.
The book is over 40 chapters, with over 400 pages of revealing and riveting content, which some will find explosive.