Presidential Spokesperson Mahama Ayariga has denied that he and other government officials have purchased tractors from the Agric Ministry at reduced prices. Today’s edition of the Chronicle newspaper reported that the ministry has sold tractors to some members of government including Majority Leader Alban Bagbin at cheaper costs. Although Mr. Ayariga concedes he purchased the tractors, he insists that he followed due process. He said the tractors, which cost GH¢18,000 and is payable over four years are available for sale to the general public. “The ministry did look at my application and considered what I wanted to do with the tractors and granted my request for the sale of tractors that were at the engineering department to me,” he told Joy FM’s Evans Mensah. He disclosed that by the terms of the purchase, an individual could acquire the implement on hire purchase. The development comes weeks after the government demanded ex-ministers and government officials who had purchased government vehicles to return all such vehicles in their possession. Although some ministers claimed they followed due process in acquiring their vehicles, deputy Information Minister, Okudzeto Ablakwa intimated at a press conference government did not want to spend more money to purchase new vehicles. Mr Ayariga played down suggestions that his action amounted to abuse of office. He said aside following due process in acquiring the tractors, he would ensure they are used to support his constituents. Story by Fiifi Koomson/Joy News