Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister of Finance has shot down claims of nepotism or conflict of interest in the controversial Agyapa Royalties deal.
The NDC has raised issues with the fact that the Agyapa deal is only between family and friends of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
They have cited Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, whose law firm handled the agreement, Kofi Osafo Maafo, son of Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Maafo, Ken Ofori-Atta, owner of Databank also connected to the deal and so on.
However, speaking in an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Friday's edition of Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', the Finance Minister said his firm has been on existence for a very long time and has a long-standing experience and reputation in investment and so the selection was based on merit.
"So the President asks me to get involved in something and because I am his cousin, I will turn him down? What is this? We need to factor in skills and experience in our discussions," he said.
Gabby's law firm
In relation to Gabby, the Finance Minister said his Africa Legal Associates (Gabby's firm) is linked to the law firm representing Bank of America; the main advisor.
"Bank of America is the main advisor and they have their own law firm. Usually, these international law firms have an affiliate in Ghana and that’s where Gabby’s firm came in," he indicated.
"I will tell you to rest at ease because the republic is always first in everything we do," he added.
He has also explained how Kofi Osafo Maafo became part of the deal.
Listen to him in the video below
Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com
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Hmmmmmmmm, "politrikcians" we don't know who to trust anymore. Engineers and Planners' association with Mahama was widely criticized only for us to get here? And the justification this time round is "MERIT"? The crop of politician we are breeding now ............................ interesting times ahead.
Silly statement from the Finance Minister. It is PRECISELY because you are the President's cousin that you should NOT accept the deal for your company. Your company's experience in such things doesn't count. You rule yourself out because you are the President's cousin.
Yeah on merit indeed I am not surprise at all,Uncle Gabby's Law firm is also selcted for legal matters with regards to same deal on merit. Only you and your family deserve the deals ever,God bless you and your family so you can become the richest family in GH.i pray you can also be selcted on merit when it comes to the judgement day.Thank you