Dzifa Attivor resigns over 116 branded buses
The Transport Minister, Mrs Dzifa Attivor has resigned over the controversial branding of 116 buses for the Metro Mass Bus Transit Company which cost GhȻ3.6million.
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She has since submitted her resignation to the Presidency Graphic Online has gathered.
A press statement signed by the Minister’s Personal Assistant, Egypt Kobla Kudoto explained that she was resigning as the person with oversight responsibility for the activities of the Metro Mass Transit (MMT).
“She has tendered in her resignation as Minister due to the current issues surrounding the branding of the 116 buses,” the statement said.
“She further wants to take the opportunity to thank her Party for the opportunity offered her to serve, first as Deputy Minister of Transport under the late President J.E.A. Mills and later as the substantive Minister,” it added.
The statement further said Mrs Attivor was grateful to President Mahama for the honour to serve in his government.
The Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah on Tuesday received for study, the report on the review of the contract for the spraying and branding of the 116 buses.
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mrs Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong, submitted the report on Tuesday in line with a directive from the Chief of Staff.
Mr Debrah in a statement following the massive public outcry against the significant amount that was used for the branding, ordered the AG to probe the matter and furnish his office with her findings by close of work on Tuesday December 22. It is unclear what is contained in the AG report.
Smarttys Productions, the company which won the contract to brand the buses is also yet to officially comment on the matter but industry experts have said the amount charged by the company, owned by a known activist of the ruling party, actress Selassie Ibrahim was outrageous.
A pro-forma invoice dated 17th July 2015, and signed by the Accounts Officer of Smarttys Management and Productions and copied to the Ministry of Transport, put the total cost of branding for each bus at GhȻ30,420.00.
President accepts resignation
President John Mahama has accepted the resignation of Mrs. Dzifa Aku Attivor as Minister for Transport.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Media Office of the Flagstaff House Wednesday evening.
The Presidency explained that her resignation followed concerns raised over a contract to spray and brand 116 new buses procured by government to improve transportation in the country’s major cities.
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