NDC Replies Kweku Baako On Mahama ‘Sakawa’ Sod-Cutting Claims

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has refuted claims by veteran journalist, Kweku Baako, that some projects John Mahama cut the sod for in his administration did not have funding.

The projects under contention are the second phase of the Kumasi Airport expansion and the Tema Motorway Interchange project.

On the Tema Motorway Interchange project, the NDC, in a statement signed by its National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, said even though preparatory work and funding for the said project was secured by the Mahama administration, Mr. Mahama never cut the sod for commencement of the project.

“Rather, it was the construction of two (2) 105-metre span flyovers from the Flower Pot Junction to link the Tema Motorway (BOG-funded) and another that links the East Legon/Shiashie stretch projects (GOG-funded), that President John Dramani Mahama cut the sod for, on 2nd November 2016,” it explained.

The party says the contractors for both projects were already on-site at the time Mr. Mahama cut the sod for commencement of the projects “which were being funded from the government’s own resources and expected to be completed within 24 months at a cost of GHS50 million.”

For the airport project, the party said Mr. Mahama performed a sod-cutting ceremony after securing parliamentary approval for a loan of 65,037,500 euros and export credit support in the sum of 7,762,500 euros.

“Aside the fact that Parliament had approved the loan facility at the time President Mahama cut the sod for the project, the contractor, who had completed the first phase of the project, had moved to site and had cleared and fenced the land for the take-off of Phase 2 of the project,” the party added.

These contentions come after Mr. Mahama accused President Akufo-Addo of cutting sod for projects that were not ready to commence.

He said the government only brought equipment to the site just for the sod-cutting ceremony.

“So it is just for deception. It is Sakawa. It is 419,″ Mr. Mahama said.