Mpaini: British Diplomat’s allegation smacks of stupidity

Former Chief of Staff Kwodwo Mpiani has hit back at allegations of financial impropriety leveled against his government by a British Diplomat, Craig Murray. Murray alleges that the former NPP administration unintelligently signed a contract with two US-based Energy companies – Balkan and Zahkem, both of which have caused whooping financial loss to the state. Balkan Energy LLC was contracted in 2007 to repair and operate the Osagyefo Barge which is expected to generate 185 megawatts of power, whilst Zakhem was supposed to build the Kpone Power Project for the Volta River Authority. Murray among other uncharitable remarks said an “extremely stupid” official advanced an amount of $80 million upfront to Zakhem when the company had done nothing on the project. But in an interview with Myjoyonline.com the ex-chief of Staff Kwodwo Mpiani said the allegation is unfounded and is “full of stupidity.” He is even more surprised with the attitude of the deputy British High Commissioner who he said won a contract based on humanitarian grounds from his government. According to him, Mr Murray was virtually “on his knees” with a proposal begging the then president, Mr Kufuor to approve a contract for the supply of turbines for energy generation in the country. He said officials of the then Ministry of energy were tasked to scrutinize his proposal after which he was awarded with the contract to provide the turbines. Mr Mpiani intimated the only motivation for Mr Murray’s recent allegations is to look good in the eyes of the new government and appear as an upright person. Murray, he alleged has a track record of “knocking peoples head against each other,” and “talks ill about everybody,” he added. Mr Mpiani cautioned government to be wary of its dealings with Mr Murray. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana