Allegations: Mahama's Bole COCOBOD guest house costs GHC8 million

The cost of the project, initially pegged at GHC5.5 million, was adjusted upwards later to GH¢7.7 million under the administration of the ex-president.

The refurbished Cocobod guest house in Bole, the hometown of former President John Mahama, is said to have cost Ghana GHC7.7 million after it was alleged that the ex-president influenced the building of the facility for his comfort.

The cost of the project, initially pegged at GHC5.5 million, was adjusted upwards later to GH¢7.7 million under the administration of the ex-president, a source at cocobod revealed to the Daily Guide newspaper.

READ MORE: Mahama denies constructing Bole COCOBOD guest house with cocoa loan

The new cost of the project came as a result of changes made for the construction of the guest house, allegedly influenced by former president Mahama.

The newspaper claimed that out of the GH¢7.7 million, only GH¢3.5 million had been paid to the contractors – Messrs Gazelle Enterprise Limited – meaning the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration might have to pay GH¢4.2 million for the immediate past president to continue to ‘enjoy’ his holidays in peace.

The construction of the plush guest house came to fore at a press conference addressed by the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cocobod, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, on Wednesday in Accra.

“The contract for COCOBOD to construct a guest house at Bole in the Northern Region was needless at the time it was awarded,” Mr Aidoo said.

He added, “President Mahama was said to have influenced the award to enable him enjoy comfortable holidays during visits to his constituency.”

READ MORE: COCOBOD reveals how Mahama spent US$400m cocoa loan after defeat

Meanwhile, ex-president Mahama has denied influencing the construction of the building.

A statement from his office said the building was constructed in 1970, prompting memes on social media.

The cost of the project, initially pegged at GHC5.5 million, was adjusted upwards later to GH¢7.7 million under the administration of the ex-president. Read Full Story