Key Takeaways
- The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has petitioned the Attorney General to investigate a $13 million contract for the Ghana Cybersecurity Authority's headquarters.
- Despite only completing the substructure stage, the contractors are demanding an additional $4 million for foundation work already executed.
- An additional $10 million has been paid for software that has not yet been delivered to the state.
The controversy surrounding the Ghana Cybersecurity Authority's permanent headquarters has deepened, with the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, calling for a full-scale criminal investigation into the execution of a $13 million contract.
The project, which is currently stuck at the substructure stage, has already drained millions of dollars from the state coffers, sparking concerns about financial irregularities and poor management.
Background & Context
The construction of the Ghana Cybersecurity Authority's permanent headquarters has been a contentious issue for several years, with numerous delays and cost overruns reported.
In 2020, the Authority awarded a contract to Rayzone Group Limited and Mendanha & Sousa to construct the headquarters, with an initial budget of $13 million.
However, despite only completing the substructure stage, the contractors are now demanding an additional $4 million for foundation work already executed, sparking allegations of financial impropriety.
Financial Irregularities and Poor Management
The Minister has expressed concerns about the financial logic behind the disbursements made by the Authority's previous administration, with an additional $10 million paid for software that has not yet been delivered to the state.
The Minister has stated that his outfit had raised red flags as far back as mid-last year, prompting his formal complaint to the state's chief legal advisor.
“I cannot understand how $3.4 million has been paid, and all we have is a foundation. A building is supposed to cost about $13 million, and almost $10 million of it has been paid, yet you don’t see anything beyond the foundation,” the Minister lamented to reporters.
Minister's Demands and the Way Forward
The Ministry is now demanding an immediate halt to further disbursements pending the outcome of a comprehensive structural and financial audit.
The technical evaluation will seek to establish the true value of the concrete foundation and determine why massive expenditure was cleared for specialised software that remains unavailable to state cybersecurity officials.
Mr George expressed optimism that the Public Accounts Committee’s interest in the matter would help trigger deeper scrutiny, including from the Attorney General’s Department.
Looking Ahead
The Minister has warned public officials and private entities involved in the transaction that if investigations establish that excessive payments were made, recoveries must be pursued in the interest of the state.
The outcome of the investigation and audit will be keenly watched, with many expecting significant consequences for those found guilty of financial impropriety.
Image Source: https://www.myjoyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/vc-1536x1023-1.jpeg
0 Comments
Leave a Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!