"Probe into UK diplomat’s allegations a wild goose chase"

Craig Murray The Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, is tipping off the government that its probe into allegations of malfeasance in contracts signed between the Volta River Authority and two other international businesses by former deputy British High Commissioner to Ghana, Craig Murray, would end as a wild goose chase. He said he doubts the validity and credibility of Mr Murray’s allegation. The former Deputy British High Commissioner wrote an article on his blog suggesting that the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration entered into contract deals with conmen, and urged the ruling NDC government to abrogate all such contracts. He alleged that a British company called Zakhem International Limited entered into a contract with the NPP government to build the Kpone Power Project for the Volta River Authority (VRA). According to him, VRA bought turbines from the manufacturer, Alsthom for $70 million and then paid the American company Zakhem $80 million upfront to install them and provide ancillary equipment. Currently, the turbines are said to be badly damaged due to neglect. Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana programme Thursday, Mr Baako claimed that the current government is aware of what the $80 million was used for and that the VRA has documents to that effect. He noted that if the government decides to invite Mr Murray to assist in investigating issues it (the government) already has insight into, then the government would be wasting the tax payer’s money. On his part, Deputy Chief of Staff, Alex Segbefia, who was a co-panelist on the programme noted that it would be in the best interest of companies whose names have been mentioned by Mr Murray in his allegations should the government decide to investigate the matter. He said investigations may clear those companies of any wrong doing or otherwise. By: Dorcas Efe Mensah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana