Chairman of the Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas has demanded that the Special Prosecutor looks into allegations of nepotism in investigations into the Agyapa Royalties deal.

Dr Steve Manteaw's comment follows the Finance Ministry's suspension of the planned launch of the Initial Public Offer (IPO) amid the Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu's ongoing corruption risk assessment of the transaction.

Speaking on Prime Morning Tuesday, he said the CSOs are particularly interested in the appointment of directors and legal advisors for the company.

“Issues that have been raised border on corruption, which include the manner of the appointment of directors of the company. Concerns have also been raised about cronyism, nepotism, etc.

"Again, the process itself appears to have not been made very clear, and the manner of appointment of legal advisors also raises some concerns,” he said.

He maintained that in as much as all issues cannot be addressed by the Special Prosecutors investigations, the appointment processes of the company is one that needs to be critically checked.

The Finance Ministry in the letter indicating the IPO's suspension explained that the move is to allow the Office of the Special Prosecutor ample time to conduct its corruption risk assessment regarding the transaction.

The decision to halt the process comes on the back of calls by the OSP for more information on the deal which will inform the way forward as to its benefits to Ghana.

Background

The Minority in Parliament had demanded the withdrawal of the contract with Agyapa Mineral Royalties Limited over what it believes is an opaque attempt by the NPP-led administration to siphon public funds for their parochial interest.

The Special Prosecutor, in September, began a probe into the controversial Agyapa Mineral Royalties deal and wrote officially to Parliament requesting for information on the deal.

Under the agreement, Agyapa Mineral Royalties Limited has been incorporated in Jersey near UK to receive and manage royalties from 16 gold mining leases over the next 15 years or so.