Minority: Gov't Lied About $1m Eurobond Disbursement

The Minority in Parliament says it has evidence the $1 billion Eurobond secured by government in September this year was used to settle debts owed to the bank of Ghana. It says Government lied when it said the money was used to finance ongoing capital projects. Addressing a news conference in Parliament this morning, minority spokesperson on Finance Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei said evidence from the Bank of Ghana's monthly monetary survey reveals the money was absorbed by the Bank to settle part of government�s indebtedness. Mr Akoto Osei challenged government to provide details on what the eurobond was used for, Joy News' Parliamentary correspondent Elton John Brobbey reported. The controversy about the 1million eurobond saga was triggered by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia running mate to the NPP flagbearer Nana Akufo Addo. Speaking to a group of UK-based Ghanaian professionals at a breakfast meeting in London, the former deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana said the proceeds from the bonds have been misappropriated. "In the prospectus that sought to convince investors the minister of finance indicated that a substantial portion of the amount borrowed will be used for infrastructure development and critical projects. "What project did the minister have in mind? The minister should list and provide a detailed plan of what projects he has in mind. "We are reliably informed that the amount raised has been used largely to reduce the government's indebtedness at the Central bank and that the funds are not available anymore for the purposes for which it was raised," he stated. The allegation was dismissed by officials at the Ministry of Finance. Government spokespersons said part of the eurobond cash was disbursed for the construction of Kasoa by-pass as well as the Kwame Nkrumah road project in Circle, Accra.