Mr Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, has distanced himself from an alleged GH¢6.7 million payment made to Smart Infraco Limited in December 2023, stating that the transaction occurred under his predecessor’s watch.
Taking his turn at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) public hearing in Parliament House on Monday, the Minister emphasised that his ministry had taken steps to ensure accountability and transparency in resolving the matter.
“Mr Chairman, just so that the records bear us out, this did not happen under Sam George but at the Ministry by my predecessor in 2023,” he stated.
The alleged payment, totaling GH¢6,755,174.94, was made for a connectivity platform, but auditors had raised concerns over the lack of supporting documents, evidence of services rendered, or expenditure justification.
Mr George assured the Committee that the Ministry was awaiting the Audit Service’s confirmation, adding, “If they verify the amount, that will bring closure. But if they raise queries, we will need to dig further into the matter.”
When informed that Smart Infraco denied receiving the payment, Mr George reaffirmed his commitment to public accountability, stating, “My fidelity is to the state, not to any company.” What forms the base material for my decision-making is the Auditor-General’s report, not a company’s rendition or response. If any private company has challenges with the report, they can seek redress in court,” he said.
Source: GNA
The post Minister denies involvement in controversial Smart Infraco Limited GH¢6.7m payment appeared first on Ghana Business News.
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