Agyekum to answer for contract payment

Page 72: Daily Graphic, June 11, 2009.
Story: Albert K. Salia
FORMER Deputy Information Minister, Mr Frank Agyekum has been invited by the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) to answer questions on an GH¢86,915.85 (¢869 million) contract he awarded to Plexiform Ventures for the renovation of the offices of the Information Minister and his deputy and the washroom of the Ministry of Information.
Although some portions of the work, which involved the fixing of new floor tiles were done, the manner in which the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr D. A. Y. Sampong wrote a letter to the Ministry of Finance and Economic PLanning, dated May 29, 2009, without the knowledge of the substantive Minister, Mrs Zita Okaikoi, brought in the BNI after the Finance Ministry rejected the request, raising concerns that there were no supporting documents covering the transactions.
The acting Chief Director, Mr Sampong, the Deputy Finance and Administration Director identified only as Mr Denkyira and the Principal Accountant of the ministry, Mr Lawrence Dzakpaa, have already been quizzed by the BNI.
Sources close to the BNI told the Daily Graphic that Mr Sampong wrote to the Finance Ministry for the release of GH¢86,915 to be paid to Plexiform Ventures for works it undertook for the Ministry.
They said the Finance Ministry queried the request because there were no appropriate documents including award of contract by the Procurement Committee of the Ministry of Information.
The sources explained that the Principal Accountant had earlier raised objections to the paymnent for the same reasons but was allegedly ignored.
They said when Mrs Okaikoi's attention was drawn to it, she denied knowledge of it and alerted the BNI to take up the matter.
The sources said it was at that point that Mr Agyekum was mentioned as having signed the contract documents awarding the contract to Plexiform Ventures, owned by Ms Irene Lorwia.