We will only accept the Agyapa deal based on its merits – Minority
The Minority caucus in Parliament has served notice that the newly structured Agyapa Royalties deal will only get their attention if it has the country’s interest at heart.
Legislators on the Minority side then reiterated how they are going to scrutinize the deal to ensure that most of the proposals and initial concerns raised during the previous introduction of the deal have been addressed.
This is in response to the announcement by the government that the Agyapa Royalties agreement will make its way to Parliament again pending approval from both sides of the house.
The intention to table the Agyapa deal before Parliament again was revealed by the Minister of Finance Ken Ofori Atta during the inauguration of the Minerals Investment Fund in Accra.
Meanwhile, the legislator for the Bongo constituency and a member of the Mines and Energy Committee, Edward Bawa, has assured that the Minority will thoroughly scrutinize the deal to safeguard the country from being short-changed.
“They have indicated that they will be bringing the deal to Parliament in a restructured form. We are only happy about that. We are open to further discussions, and we will accept that particular restructured deal based on its own merits,” Edward Bawa.
Agyapa Royalties deal was initially proposed by the government last year as a means to raise funds through mineral royalties for key infrastructure projects, but could not be passed after stakeholders rejected the deal following some concerns.
The deal was also a subject of hot debate as not only the opposition National Democratic Congress kicked against it but some civil society organizations also kicked against the idea as well.
A 64 paged corruption risk analysis report by former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu further added to the woes of the deal leading to its suspension hence its introduction again.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
