Lawyer Kofi Bentil has criticized the current state of affairs in the country, labeling it an “unbridled mess.” He specifically highlighted the renewed positive assessments by pro-government voices regarding the previously terminated Agyapa deal.
The Agyapa deal has regained attention due to a recent regional court judgment suggesting that the government had the right to pursue the transaction. Prominent figures like Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, who was associated with the deal as a transaction advisor, have argued that the legitimate deal was hindered on weak grounds.
Gabby and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s lawyer, Kow Essuman, have criticized Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for their perceived silence following the court’s ruling.
Bentil, however, had a direct message for those individuals. He expressed his thoughts on Facebook (August 16, 2023), stating, “in the midst of this unbridled mess, some people want to revive their obscene Agyapa. SMH… even cowards find their strength when pushed too far! we are not cowards, Keep pushing…”
The Agyapa Royalties deal, proposed in 2020 by the Ghanaian government, aimed to raise funds by offering shares of Agyapa Royalties Limited on the London Stock Exchange. Critics, including civil society groups and the opposition, condemned it as a secretive and corrupt venture that would benefit politicians at the country’s expense.
It later emerged that Gabby’s firm had served as transaction advisors in the deal. Veteran journalist Kweku Baako clarified the extent of Gabby’s involvement, stating that Gabby’s firm received around US$103,000, contrary to claims of much higher sums.
Amid the controversy, questions arose about the roles played by Osafo-Maafo’s son and Gabby Otchere-Darko in the Agyapa deal. The deal’s revival and associated discussions have prompted divergent opinions and raised concerns about transparency and accountability in government transactions.
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