Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo has sacked Charles Adu Boahen, the minister of state for
finance, the presidency said on Monday November 14 after allegations of impropriety were
circulated by popular Ghanaian investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
Mr Akufo-Addo made the decision after being “made aware of the allegations” against Mr
Boahen in the documentary “Galamsey Economy” which is due to be aired on Monday for two
days in the capital Accra. Reuters
It was made by the famous investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who has broken
several corruption scandals in the past, including the Ghana football association and the
judiciary.
Some excerpts have already leaked and one of them, in particular, has caused controversy.
According to the documentary, Mr Adu Boahen claims nearly 200,000 dollars from investors to
give to the vice president. In Ghana, the “Galamsey” are illegal gold miners who sell their loot to
middlemen who then turn to export. For the time being, Mr Boahen has not commented.
Shortly before the sacking was announced, the Ghanaian vice-president said he had seen the clip
in which Mr Adu Boahen was trying to “collect money from supposed investors” on his behalf,
adding that he was not aware of the meeting.
“I want to make it clear that if what (Mr Boahen) is alleged to have said is accurately recorded in
the video, his position as Secretary of State is untenable. He should be fired and investigated,”
Mahamudu Bawumia wrote on Facebook.
“My most valuable asset in life is my integrity and I will not allow anyone to use my name to
engage in corruption.”
The affair comes at a time when the president is under fire for his handling of the economic
crisis, particularly as he seeks to apply for a highly controversial loan with the IMF.
Already burdened by a high debt burden, Ghana is seeking a $3 billion loan to cope with record
40% inflation and the collapse of its currency – the cedi – economic woes compounded by the
Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Africanews.