How Could We Bribe You With US$800m When Even IMF Gave Us Only US$600m? – Osei Kyei Asks Ken Agyapong
Suame Constituency MP Questions Credibility of Allegations made by ken Agyapong
In a recent interview on Okay FM, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Member of Parliament for Suame constituency in the Ashanti region, categorically rejected claims made by New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong. The Assin Central MP had alleged that he was offered a staggering sum of $800 million to withdraw from the NPP presidential race.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu expressed skepticism about the validity of Agyapong’s assertions, emphasizing the implausibility of such a substantial sum being available for influencing delegates. He pointed out that the entire nation had received only $600 million in financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as part of a $3 billion bailout, which makes the claimed offer seem unrealistic.
The Majority Leader questioned the feasibility of an individual having access to such a colossal amount, saying, “Can you imagine that the entire country is seeking $600 million from the IMF, and you have $800 million to pay as a bribe, where does this come from?” He further highlighted the practicality of the situation, noting that $800 million is more than 9 billion cedis, while the government still owes contractors over 10 billion cedis for certified invoices.
Kennedy Agyapong had recently responded to allegations made by former Member of Parliament for Suhum, Frederick Opare-Ansah, that he demanded $500 million in annual contracts from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a condition to step down from his flagbearer bid. Agyapong, in his rebuttal during an interview on Time FM on October 29, 2023, alleged that he was actually offered $800 million to withdraw from the party’s race for Dr. Bawumia.
Kennedy Agyapong is one of four contenders vying for the NPP’s flagbearer slot, along with Dr. Bawumia, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh. The NPP is set to elect its next leader on November 4, 2023, as they seek a successor to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The unfolding developments have captured the attention of both NPP members and the wider public, as they await the party’s decision in this pivotal political race.