The Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper Abdul Malik Kwaku Baako has described as a waste of time government's review of the sale of its 70% shares in Ghana Telecom to Vodafone. He said whilst the ruling government works to “satisfy its curiosity” on the sale and purchase agreement, it is important to consider the fact that the previous administration brokered the deal in a very transparent manner. “It is a complete waste of time and energy,” Mr Baako stressed. Communications Minister Haruna Iddrisu on Monday inaugurated a five-member committee to investigate the Sale and Purchase Agreement between the Government of Ghana and Vodafone International Holdings BV. The terms of reference for the committee include why the national fibre optic backbone was included in the sale, justification for an indemnity clause which bars certain persons from prosecution, failure of government to include some liabilities in the sale and an exemption regime in relation to offers of 3G licenses. The committee will also investigate how much Vodafone has invested and whether Ghana had true value for money in the deal. But speaking on Peace FM’s morning show on Wednesday, Mr Baako said “The answers to the questions are known.” Mr Baako who is an avowed critic of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) maintained that there were no underhand dealings in the transactions. He noted that the divestiture had been advertised both on the local and international markets and attracted potential buyers including Vodafone. Touching on the government’s quest to find the “true buyers” of the stake, Mr Baako said Parliament had adequately dealt with the issue. A Joint Committee on Finance and Communications is said to have considered the agreement before finally being laid before the house. Mr Baako said in view of these, the current trend of affairs on sale is worrying, adding that the Mills-led administration must rather channel the country’s limited resources into other ventures that will improve the lot of Ghanaians. Story by Fiifi Koomson/Myjoyonline.com