Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a lawmaker from North Tongu, has stated that it is in the best interest of Ghana's international image and in the best interest of all politically exposed individuals that these reports be thoroughly investigated in relation to the Dubai allegation and a recent report of large seizures of millions of dollars at a London airport.
The Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), a think tank based in the UK, published a report that implicated a number of former Mahama administration appointees, including Asaga and Inusah Fuseini, in the Dubai allegations.
According to the OCCRP report "How Dirty Money Finds a Home in Dubai Real Estate," which was published on May 14, 2024, these individuals had amassed millions of dollars' worth of real estate in Dubai during their time in power.
Additionally, the report emphasized Dubai's reputation for financial secrecy, suggesting that it has evolved into a haven for questionable funds.
"Ghana's anti-corruption institutions and diplomatic missions abroad must take keen interest in all the corruption reports emanating from various international quarters including the Dubai allegations and recent reports of large seizures of millions of cash at a London airport," Mr. Ablakwa wrote in a post on his X platform.
"It is in the preeminent premium of Ghana's global picture, and in light of a legitimate concern for all politically uncovered people that these reports are totally explored.
"If these grave allegations of grand graft are not properly dealt with, Ghanaian politically exposed persons across the divide risk increased suspicion, harassment at airports, and may regrettably assume pariah status,"
Moses Asaga, a former Member of Parliament for Nabdam in the Upper East Region, denied claims that he owned Dubai properties obtained illegally. Asaga was one of the politically exposed individuals whose name was mentioned in the issues.
I believed I had committed a corrupt and illegal act that merited further investigation. Shouldn't I be able to own a $133, 000 investment? What are the costs of Trasaco properties $1m-$3m who are remaining there? Aren't politicians and majority NPP officials to blame? Has the OCCRP visited to report on them? This is a plot by politicians.
Therefore, they believe that I shouldn't have an investment of that insignificant amount over my 30-year career. Before legislative issues, I worked with Ecobank, and GNPC and was Delegate Pastor of Money, Clergyman for Business, and Chief of NPA. A one-bedroom student apartment costing $133,000 was out of my price range. What is the wrongdoing and debasement engaged with this?
"New apartments in Ghana sell for more than $200,000, while Trasaco costs $1 million to $5 million. Bankers, COCOBOD, BOST CEOs, and politicians are not the people who stay in them, he told Citi FM.
