By: Bubu Klinogo
The Office of the Special Prosecutor, OSP has confirmed that a wealthy businessman had in fact attempted to offer money to a section of the majority caucus of Parliament with the intention of influencing their demand for the resignation or removal of the Minister for Finance Ken Ofori-Atta.
This is contained in a report the OSP has just issued on its investigations into the allegation.
MP for Asante Akyem North, Andy Appiah Kubi, who was leading a group of 80 NPP MPs to demand the resignation of Mr. Ofori Atta, made the allegation that a wealthy businessman had offered them money to drop the demands. The OSP took up the matter for investigation.
The OSP in its report however indicated that Mr. Appiah Kubi had refused to cooperate with its investigative team and rather invoked his right to remain silent. The majority leader who also confirmed the initial allegation could also not offer any assistance since he himself was not an eye witness but relied heavily on the media interview granted by Mr. Appiah Kubi.
The OSP however said through intelligence, it has been able to confirm that a wealthy businessman had indeed met the MPs and offered them money. According to the OSP, it appears that the monetary offer was rejected by the contacted Members of Parliament.
The OSP said it had established the identity of the said businessman who it said is a frequent visitor to Parliament.
The report however did not disclose the identity of the person. In view of the uncooperative nature of the main accuser, the OSP said it cannot go ahead to prosecute the individual. It has therefore directed a closure of the investigation.
