Anti-Corruption crusader and MP for Asikuma Odoben-Brakwa, PC Appiah Ofori has stated that Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ intent to investigate the STX affordable housing deal if she became president confirms fishy deals between the government and the Korean company on the project.
He congratulated the former First Lady for her decision to thoroughly investigate the STX deal, but noted that it was unfortunate that she would not get the chance to investigate the deal because “she will never be the president of this country.”
Spokesperson for the Rawlingses, Kofi Adams was reported as saying that Nana Konadu has intentions of investigating the controversial STX housing deal thoroughly if she becomes president in 2012.
Critics of the Mills government have welcomed her interest in taking a second look at the deal, but doubt if she would get the chance to probe the deal since she first has to become president.
PC Appiah Ofori said he shared Nana Konadu’s position on the STX deal
but doubts if her ambition is realistic.
He said the 1.5 billion-dollar loan for the project will have serious implications for the country, especially when viewed from the context of whether Ghana has the ability to repay the yearly 100 million dollars.
“I think the deal should be revoked because the 1.525 billion dollars will shoot the debt sustainability threshold to over 35 percent of the nation’s export,” he said.
Mr Appiah Ofori suggested to the government to complete the 5,500 affordable houses started by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, which are currently at various stages of completion.
He recalled that due to the unfavorable conditions in the STX contract, the Minority walked out from Parliament on August 3, 2010 when the STX deal was sealed by the House.
According to him, the NPP, led by Nana Akufo-Addo will take a second look at the STX deal if they win power in 2012.
He was confident that Nana Akufo Addo would win the 2012 elections easily whether he contests Nana Konadu or President Mills.
“Just mark it on the wall, Nana Addo will win the 2012 general elections whether he contests with Nana Konadu or President Mills,” he emphasised.
Story: Samuel Mantey/Adom News/Ghana