Robert Ahomka-Lindsay: Deputy Trade Minister could be forced out of his job over perjury allegations

The Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had said last week that the Committee has begun an official probe into the Minister’s claim that the Komenda Sugar Factory has never produced sugar.

The Deputy Trade and Industry Minister, Robert Ahomka-Lindsay’s job may be on the line if he is found guilty of lying to Parliament under oath.

The Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), James Klutse Avedzi, had said last week that the Committee has begun an official probe into the Minister’s claim on August 10, 2017, that the Komenda Sugar Factory has never produced sugar.

A former member and Secretary of the Komenda Sugar Project Management Board, Ransford Chatman Vanni-Amoah, has since challenged the claim of Mr Ahomka-Lindsay.

Mr. Vanni-Amoah subsequently petitioned PAC about the Deputy Minister’s allegations, with evidence to dispute the minister's claims.

He said Standing Orders 30 of Parliament clearly states lying under oath as constituting a breach of privileges or Contempt of Parliament.

PAC Chair, Mr Avedzi, has said the Committee takes the petition very seriously and will make its findings known shortly.

“If it is found that it [petitioner’s challenge] is true and he [Ahomka-Lindsay] admits that what he said was not true, we will give him the opportunity to apologise, and if he refuses to apologise then we will refer the matter to the entire House because it amounts to perjury and he can easily lose his seat,” Mr Avedzi explained.

The Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had said last week that the Committee has begun an official probe into the Minister’s claim that the Komenda Sugar Factory has never produced sugar. Read Full Story