EOCO invites Nduom, Ayariga over campaign funds
The troubles of two disqualified presidential aspirants are far from over following an invitation to them by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to explain the sources of their incomes for political campaigns.
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The EOCO wants Mr Hassan Ayariga of the All People’s Congress (APC) and Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) to confirm, in writing, the sources of their incomes.
They have up to Wednesday, October 26, 2016 to respond to the request.
The EOCO letter, a copy of which is exclusively available to the Daily Graphic, was dated October 21, 2016 and signed by the Executive Director of the EOCO, Mr Justice A. Tsar.
The letter was triggered by public announcements by Mr Ayariga to the effect that he had expended $6 million on his campaign.
Dr Nduom, on the other hand, is being asked to explain the source of the GH¢1,750,000 that he paid for himself and the parliamentary candidates of the PPP.
Letter to Ayariga
The letter to Mr Ayariga indicated that “the office has followed with keen interest your foray into the political landscape of Ghana and your frustration with the recent decision of the Electoral Commission bordering on your disqualification”.
“The office has analysed your statements and comments made to the media and circulated on social media. In one such statement, you are heard to say that you expended over $6 million to procure vehicles, among others. The statement is of great interest to the office,” it said.
The letter stated that the EOCO would be grateful if Mr Ayariga could confirm, in writing, the sources of the total amount he had expended, including the amount of $6 million he was on record to have exhausted.
Mr Justice A. Tsar, Executive Director of the EOCO
Notice to Dr Nduom
The EOCO’s letter to Dr Nduom said: “Information available to this office is to the effect that you financed the recent filing of nominations for both the presidential and parliamentary candidates with the total amount of GH¢1,750,000 from the GN Bank.”
The EOCO said it would be grateful if Dr Nduom could confirm the sources of the amounts and mode of payment to the EC.
Background
The EC, on Monday, October 10, 2016, disqualified 12 presidential aspirants, including Dr Nduom and Mr Ayariga, from contesting the December 7, 2016 general election for various reasons, ranging from forgery, impersonation to perjury.
Three days later, it forwarded a complaint against the subscribers for eight aspirants to the CID for investigations.
The EC Boss, Mrs Charlotte Osei, submitted a written statement to the police on Wednesday, October 19, 2016.
Dr Nduom and Mr Ayariga have since reported themselves to the police.