Management of the Ghana Exim Bank has denied Kumbugu MP, Ras Mubarak’s claims that they have paid artiste Shatta Wale and actor Agya Koo ¢2 million as brand ambassadors.

In a press statement issued by the Head of Corporate Affairs, the Bank explained that, although they sought the services of Agya Koo and Shatta Wale for a Made in Ghana campaign, they have not dolled out such colossal sum of money to them.

They stated that the allegation is “factually incorrect” and misleading.

“We would like to state that, part of GEXIM’s mandate is to assist in the promotion of locally-produced goods and services to enhance export revenue generation, help reduce import, add value to raw materials for export, and create employment in the country.”

“In view of this national call, the Bank on Sunday, August 30, 2020, launched a campaign dubbed: Made-in-Ghana 4P. The 4P stands for encouraging Ghanaians to Produce, Promote and Purchase Made-in-Ghana products and services so we can Prosper as a people and nation.”

The Bank stated that the services of two of Ghana’s favourite entertainer were sought out to give this campaign a higher scale and in consonance with promoting Made-In-Ghana products and services.

“These renowned Brand Ambassadors will be using their scale, brand equity, leverages and the pool of their fan bases to garner the needed acceptance, adoption and participation by Ghanaians in the Made-in-Ghana 4P campaign.”

Through the campaign, Exim Bank believes the products of the entities that they are lending money to can be patronized for them to pay back and also energize the whole culture of buying and using Made-in-Ghana products in the country.

They explained that this was done while following the requisite laid down procurement procedures.

Speaking on Newsnight, Thursday Head of Corporate Affairs at Exim Bank, Richard Osei Anane, revealed that the campaign was not rolled out, but put on hold after the coronavirus pandemic hit the country.

“We even launched the program belatedly on August 30. Indeed we have signed a contract with the two artistes they have not even started their roles.”

Mr Anane, however, revealed that the contract signed require the bank to pay them 15% of their agreed money upfront and pay the rest throughout the year based on their delivery.

"This is a one year contract and we have not even started. I can’t disclose the amount because of the contractual agreement but I can tell you that we have passed through the procurement agreement to arrive at where we are.”

Meanwhile, Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee James Klutse Avedzi says he will make a decision next week on whether to summon musician Shata Wale over the alleged payment of ¢2 million to him by Exim Bank.

He stated that the allegation is not captioned in the report submitted to the committee by the Exim bank.

“It is a public interest question. So we will take our time, look for the information the Member has and once we get that information we will invite the Exim Bank officials to appear again.”

Mr Avedzi said that if evidence is found that Shatta Wale was indeed paid, he may be asked to refund some of the money if the work he did for the bank does not merit that sum of money.