Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, he said Engineers and Planners Ltd had been operating at Damang long before President John Dramani Mahama assumed office. He argued that the firm’s technical capacity and track record justify its selection, questioning claims that Ibrahim Mahama should be disqualified due to his relationship with the President.

Mr. Dauda noted that the contract is yet to be presented to Parliament for ratification and assured that it will be thoroughly scrutinised in line with legal requirements.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources confirmed that the Damang mining lease was awarded to Engineers and Planners Ltd following a competitive tender process and recommendations from the Minerals Commission.

“The contract is not yet on our agenda. Any mining-related contract must be brought before Parliament for ratification. When it arrives, we will follow the necessary procedures to review and ratify it. Ibrahim Mahama’s company has been involved in mining at Damang even before John Mahama became president. There is nothing inherently wrong with him mining—should he be disqualified simply because he is the president’s brother?

“The contract was awarded through validation and evaluation, and Engineers and Planners qualifies for it. If the contract had gone to anyone else, I would have questioned it, as he is recognised as the best contract miner in the country. His capacity exceeds that of anyone else in the field. The contract is yet to be presented to the committee, so I do not know the specific terms. All evaluations will be conducted according to the law. We will thoroughly examine everything before recommending ratification, ensuring that the entire process complies with legal standards,” he added.

READ ALSO:

Damang Mine takeover: Lands Ministry urges focus on competence, not review duration

Full details: How Engineers and Planners secured Damang Mine lease

Speaking at Acherensua during an inspection of the ongoing works, Alhaji Dauda said the people of Ahafo would forever appreciate the President for addressing what he described as one of the region’s most critical infrastructure challenges.

He noted that despite Ahafo’s significant contribution to the national economy through gold, cocoa, and timber, the road remained in a deplorable state for eight years under the previous NPP administration, causing untold hardship to commuters and traders.

According to the MP, the decision by residents to vote out the NPP and bring the NDC back to power is already yielding results, with the once-dilapidated road now being asphalted to ease transportation challenges.

The Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardiner, and the District Chief Executive for Asutifi South, Benjamin Assabil Donkor, also told Adom News that they were grateful to President Mahama for honouring his campaign promise to the chiefs and people of the region.

They added that the project is a clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to fulfilling development promises and improving the lives of people in Ahafo.

READ ALSO:

• Former NEIP CEO breaks silence on alleged arrest
• Bologna sign highly rated Berekum Chelsea midfielder Kwesi Sorotu Badori
• Minority demands immediate payment to cocoa farmers over delays since November
• Absence of streetlights on Achimota–Amasaman highway fuels accidents and crime as drivers, traders call for gov’t intervention

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Collins Dauda, Chairman of the Lands and Natural Resources Committee, explained that the Minority’s concern was ensuring that the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2010, aligned with the agreement, so that both the law and the contract reflected the same royalty rate.

“We did not reject the agreement. In committee, nothing is explicitly rejected or accepted; a report is sent to the preliminary stage, where it becomes clear whether the Minority agrees or not. We requested that the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2010 (Act 794) be amended to raise the royalty rate from 5 percent to 10 percent, ensuring consistency between the law and the agreement. At that time, the report had not even reached the preliminary stage. It is important to adhere to the law; we cannot enter into a contract that violates it. Without this amendment, approval of the agreement would have been difficult. We simply want the right thing to be done. The minister is currently arranging negotiations for a new agreement with the company,” he said.

The clarification follows concerns raised by the Majority Caucus that the original 10 percent royalty conflicted with Ghana’s existing mining law, which sets royalties at 5 percent.

The government has since submitted a revised agreement with Barari DV Ghana Limited, reflecting the legally mandated 5 percent royalty. The update, covering lithium extraction in the Central Region, comes after the company requested a review of lease terms due to falling global lithium prices.

The Minority has, however, criticized the new terms as less beneficial to the state, prompting ongoing efforts in Parliament to amend relevant legislation to better safeguard national interests.

READ ALSO:

Bright Simons challenges govt’s justification for lithium royalty reduction

MCE promises parliament will ratify Ewoyaa Lithium Project before year-end

Gov’t says lithium exploration prospects remain promising despite Ewoyaa delays

Chairman of the Lands and Natural Resources Committee, Collins Dauda, said the current legal regime, which pegs royalty payments at a fixed rate of 5 percent, restricts the country’s ability to negotiate better deals.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Mr. Dauda referenced the 10 percent royalty agreement initially approved by the Akufo-Addo administration for Barari DV Ghana Limited’s lithium operations.

He explained that although the 10 percent rate was favourable to Ghana, it conflicted with Act 703, which allows only a 5 percent royalty charge.

Mr. Dauda noted that the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, recently submitted a revised lithium agreement to Parliament to reflect the legally required 5 percent royalty.

The revision, however, has sparked criticism from the Minority, who insist the new terms offer fewer benefits to the state.

He said Parliament is working to review the Minerals Act and related mining policies to ensure clarity, consistency, and adherence to national laws.

“As gatekeepers, we make the laws, and we expect the laws to be implemented and obeyed. We cannot make laws and at the same time do something that runs against them,” he said.

The proposed amendment is expected to introduce a fair and flexible royalty structure for all mining firms and increase Ghana’s earnings from its mineral resources.

READ ALSO:

• Manhyia South MP warns against setting ‘dangerous precedent’ in Chief Justice removal
• Dadiesoaba College of Nursing offers free health screening to over 200 residents
• NDC will reclaim Kpandai seat in rerun – Eric Adjei
• She talks to MCEs like we’re her children – Former Suhum MCE slams Naa Torshie [Listen]

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Dauda described the claims as “completely false,” attributing them to social media misinformation.

“All the claims that I incited the youth to attack the NAIMOS operations team are completely false. Social media misinformation is destroying this country; it will finish all of us if we’re not careful,” he said.

He explained that he had only asked the Asutifi North MP, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, to speak to the commander of the security team after receiving multiple calls from constituents about a military operation in the area.

“The attack happened at a different location, not where the MP went to help me speak to the commander. I only asked him to assist because I was away in South Africa. Nobody even called me to hear my side of the story, yet everyone is running with false information,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to take over investigations into the violent attack, which left NAIMOS team members assaulted during an operation to arrest illegal miners near Bronikrom on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

READ ALSO:

• Robbers kill taxi driver at American Farm, Ngleshie Amanfro 
• Collins Dauda denies role in NAIMOS team attack [Video]
• Migration as an adaptive tool to climate change in Ghana: How remittances sustain northern farmers

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the MP stated that he was in South Africa attending Pan-African Parliament meetings at the time of the incident and could not have played any role.

“I received several calls from my constituency that soldiers had invaded the area for an operation. I asked an assemblyman to speak to the leader of the team, but he refused. As I kept receiving calls, I reached out to the Asutifi North MP, who was in the area, to engage the commander,” Mr. Dauda explained.

He added that he later learned the NAIMOS team was attacked on their return but insisted he never instructed anyone to release suspects or incite violence. “I only wanted to speak to the commander. There is no way I would send people to attack them,” he affirmed.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to take over investigations into the violent incident.

Preliminary findings link the Asutifi North MP, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, to the attack, alleging he incited a mob to obstruct the NAIMOS team during their operation to arrest illegal miners.

Police reports indicate that NAIMOS officials had arrested several illegal miners near Bronikrom on Saturday, November 1, 2025, seizing firearms, ammunition, and unregistered vehicles. While transporting the suspects to the Hwidiem Police Station, a group allegedly led by the MP intervened, freeing the suspects and chasing the officials away.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

READ ALSO:

• KNUST honors founder of Hepa Plus for contribution towards research into herbal medicine and entrepreneurship
• Climate crisis in Ghana: How rising temperatures are driving migration and environmental degradation
• Gov’t orders first major audit of mining firms in a decade

Addressing assembly members, staff of the Asutifi South District, and other opinion leaders in a meeting at Hwidiem, he explained that under the previous government, the assemblies were not receiving their mandated monies to embark on their developmental projects.

The current government has since cancelled that arrangement to guarantee that assemblies now receive their rightful share of resources.

With this decision, the assemblies now fully receive their mandated funds. Therefore, the assemblies, especially those in his region (Ahafo), can’t afford not to improve development for the people, as development was inadequate under the previous government.

He said that the assemblies, which will allow people from Accra to influence their developmental decision-making for residents, would result in the dismissal of their municipal district chief executives; therefore, all must take note.

He continued by revealing that during the 8 years of the Nana Addo-led government, he wasn’t invited to general assembly meetings, which he found unusual and never helped the assembly.

He mentioned that people, especially from the camp of the New Patriotic Party, accused him of his absence, but to be sincere, as a seasoned politician, he will never attend meetings without invitations.

Source: Sammy Asare

ALSO READ:

• Increase domestic violence support fund – Gov’t urged to act as…
• It was a free-for-all under NPP – Mustapha Gbande on galamsey
• Some men marry famous women just to bring them down –…

In an interview with journalists, the veteran lawmaker argued that development should align with political support.

“We will fix Akwatia roads, and we expect the people to reciprocate that support. I cannot say outright that the roads won’t be fixed if they vote for the NPP, but if I were the President, I wouldn’t have fixed the roads,” Dauda stated.

He reflected on the 2024 general election, noting that the presidential outcome was uncertain at the time. “Back then, we didn’t know who would win between Dr. Bawumia and President Mahama. In the end, the NDC secured over 180 seats, while the NPP had 88. Now, President Mahama is in charge, and he controls the resources of the state,” he said.

Dauda urged Akwatia residents to consider this reality when casting their votes, insisting that supporting the NDC is the surest path to development.

“If the people of Akwatia want development, they should know who is in charge. This is a special election, and it requires special thinking,” he added.

The Akwatia by-election, prompted by the death of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi, has attracted intense attention, with both the NPP and NDC vying for the seat.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

ALSO READ:

• “Akwatia by-election no apicki ama me” – NDC’s Bernard Baidoo [Video]

• Akwatia by-election: “We love money; we’re waiting to get paid to vote” – Some…

Afenyo-Markin had argued that the removal was unjust and questioned whether due constitutional process was followed.

Responding on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, while in Akwatia to monitor the by-election, Dauda insisted the process was fully constitutional.

“The minority leader is a confused politician. For the removal of the CJ, the constitution clearly defines the processes that one has to go through. He should cite a breach,” Dauda challenged.

He further clarified that the existence of multiple petitions against the Chief Justice did not require all to be concluded before action could be taken.

“When you go to court and are charged on four counts and are cleared on three, but lose one with imprisonment as the penalty, the court will not dismiss that one. Similarly, there were three petitions, and the president acted on the one that required action,” he explained.

Dauda emphasized that President John Dramani Mahama acted within the law and upheld his constitutional duty.

“Remember, the president took an oath to be fair to all Ghanaians and uphold the constitution. Do you want us to throw away what the Constitution has said or disrespect it? Is that the position of the minority leader?” he asked.

Source: Adomonline

speaking to the press after touring the proposed Hajj Village near Kotoka International Airport, Mr. Dauda confirmed that while the government remains committed to ensuring a smooth pilgrimage experience, there are no plans to reduce the current fare.

he emphasized that the fare of GHC62,000 (approximately $4,130) is the lowest compared to neighboring countries.

“the fare we have announced is the cheapest in the region,” he noted.

“for instance, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Senegal all charge over $5,000, while Ghana’s remains at $4,130.”

although there are no immediate plans to lower the fare, Mr. Dauda indicated that future adjustments would depend on prevailing economic conditions.

the proposed Hajj Village, once completed, is expected to function as a dedicated terminal for Ghanaian pilgrims traveling to Mecca.

READ ALSO:

• Asumura health centre workers demand urgent repairs
• Regina Oppong advocates inclusive education for persons with visual impairment
• One-year-olds among those raped during Sudan civil war – UN

Principal State Attorney Hilda Craig informed the court that the prosecution was in court to enter a nolle prosequi in the case filed on February 7.

A nolle prosequi notice was submitted at the High Court (Financial Division 1) in Accra on Friday, February 7, 2025, signaling the State’s decision to discontinue the prosecution of Collins Dauda, Kweku Agyeman-Mensah (former Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing), and Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu (former Chief Director of the Ministry).

The others are Nouvi Tetteh Angelo (CEO of Ridge Management Solutions Ghana Limited) and Andrew Clocanas (deceased, former Executive Chairman of Construtora OAS Ghana Limited).

The notice, signed by the Attorney-General, officially marks the end of the State’s case against the accused persons.

They previously faced 70 charges, including causing financial loss to the state, in connection with the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project but had pleaded not guilty.

Following the Attorney-General’s withdrawal of the charges, the court discharged the accused persons accordingly.

ALSO READ:

• Saglemi housing project: A-G drops charges against Collins Dauda, four others

• Work to resume on Saglemi Housing Project – Minister

Alhaji Dauda, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi South, disclosed this at a press conference on Wednesday. He explained that the amount is owed to various service providers for the pilgrimage.

“The amount is $5,409,536.66 million. I asked the young man around me to convert it into cedis, and he told me it was GH₵81,142,899.90. This is the debt this taskforce has to deal with. There is a company that provides catering service on our pilgrimage in Mecca, the airline that lifted our pilgrims last year, and a company that provides accommodation,” he detailed.

Meanwhile, in fulfillment of President John Mahama’s electoral promise to reduce Hajj fees, Alhaji Dauda announced a reduction from GH₵75,000 last year to GH₵62,000.

“During the 2024 presidential electioneering campaign, John Dramani Mahama, the President of Ghana, pledged to the Muslim community that if he won the elections, he would do everything possible to reduce the Hajj fare. That was to enable our Muslim brothers and sisters to perform the Hajj at a reduced fare. He also committed himself to making Hajj accessible and affordable. We will recall that last year, the fare was set at GH₵75,000,” he stated.

He continued, “Today, I am pleased to announce that President Mahama has been able to honor this commitment. He set up a task force made up of four Muslims to participate in the Hajj conference, which took place in January in Saudi Arabia, and to also have the opportunity to engage our service providers in Saudi Arabia, specifically in Mecca and Madina.

“Through diligent negotiations and collaborations, the task force has successfully secured a significant reduction in the Hajj fare for 2025. Upon the advice of the president, the fare for the 2025 Hajj has been set at GH₵62,000, which is equivalent to $4,130.”

ALSO READ:

• Government reduces Hajj fee to GH₵62,000

• Muslim group worried over delayed announcement of 2025 Hajj fee

Listen to him in the audio above:

The Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has charged the committee to provide its report within 45 days.

“Collins Dauda, of course, will be a member. Samson Ahi will also be a member. Then we are including two first-timers from our side and ensuring gender balance, so Atta Issah, the MP for Sagnarigu, will also be a member. Our sister Millicent Yeboah Amankwah will also be a member. Alhassan Suhuyini will also be a member.

“On the Minority side, the committee will be constituted by Stephen Amoah and Dr. Mahama Tia Kabiru. We have provided them with our terms of reference, and they will be given six weeks to complete their work. We propose that Collins Dauda be the chairperson of the committee,” he detailed.

The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, proposed the establishment of the scheme on the floor on Wednesday.

The Bawku Central MP noted that many MPs dedicate decades of their lives to public service but retire without a structured pension scheme, which could leave them financially vulnerable.

He suggested that the pension scheme be financed through revenues from carbon credits rather than relying on taxpayers.

ALSO READ:

• Former MPs in sorry state – Alhaji Sorogo on life after Parliament
• Majority Leader proposes establishment of pension scheme for retired MPs

This is the eighth term he is serving as a Member of Parliament representing the people of Asutifi South in the Ahafo Region, formerly the Brong Ahafo Region.

Before this, he had the same record as Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, for MP for Suame, for having served seven terms each.

Apart from the 2001 to 2005 Parliament where Ghanaian educator, diplomat and politician Cecilia Djan Amoah on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) beat him at the polls to represent the Asutifi South Constituency in the Parliament, Collins Dauda has been part of all other Parliaments on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He was a member of the first Parliament of the 4th Republic from 1993 to 1997.

He got re-elected and served in the 1997 to 2001 Parliament.

But was defeated in the 2000 parliamentary election that brought the NPP into power under the leadership of President John Agyekum Kufuor.

Collins Dauda bounced back in the 2004 election and joined the 2005 to 2009 Parliament and has consistently been re-elected.

Prior to becoming an MP, he was a member of the Consultative Assembly that worked on the 1992 Constitution,

He was born on February 13, 1957, in Mehame in the Ahafo Region, the same year Ghana attained independence.

Following closely to Collins Dauda’s record is Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the former MP for Suame and Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the current Speaker both of whom hold the record for serving seven terms.

Bagbin on his part holds the record for being part of all Parliaments under the 4th Republic for serving seven terms as MP and two terms as Speaker.

Who is Collins Dauda?

The 67-year-old Collins Dauda is a teacher, politician, former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources; and Water Resources, Works and Housing.

He was born on February 13, 1957 at Mehame in the Ahafo region.

His parents were Issaka Naaba and Mariama Issah.

He had his secondary school education at Mim Senior High School where he obtained both the GCE Ordinary Level and the GCE Advanced Level certificates between 1973 and 1981.

He served as a teacher at the Kukuom Agricultural Senior High School from 1985.

In 1986, he joined the teaching staff at the Ahafoman Senior High School where he continued to teach until 1992.

In addition to serving as a member of the Consultative Assembly, he worked for the Asutifi District Assembly.

Prior to being moved to the Ministry of Water Resources, Works, and Housing under John Dramani Mahama’s administration as President, he served as the Minister of Lands and Mineral Resources in February 2009 under the late President J.E.A. Mills.

In Parliament, he has served on the Finance, Lands and Forestry committees and is also a member of the Committee of Selection.

He is married with two wives and eleven children.

According to him, the Assembly members, particularly those who are first-timers, must understand that the coffers of the assembly are not sufficient to cater to all their requests, therefore, they should refrain from making promises to residents.

Alhaji Dauda was addressing 37 Assembly members during their inaugural ceremony, which was attended by chiefs, security services, Heads of Departments, District Assembly staff, politicians, among others, at Hwidiem.

Alhaji Collins Dauda pointed out that, the District Assembly Common Fund from government often arrives late and is insufficient to address the numerous challenges that residents endure.

In light of this, he advised the assembly members not to make unrealistic promises to the people in their electoral areas.

Meanwhile, the Asutifi South District Chief Executive (DCE), Robert Dwomoh Mensah, advised Assembly members to refrain from involving Assembly activities in partisan politics.

He stressed that if Assembly members avoid such practices, it will accelerate development and improve the lives of residents in Asutifi South.

ALSO READ:

How 20-year-old robbed and killed stroke patient, 74 at Kasoa [Watch]

Franklin Cudjoe reacts to Kofi Bentil’s support for Dr. Bawumia

Man who murdered 74-year-old stroke patient sentenced to 50 years

Collins Dauda, a former Minister for Works and Housing, together with four others have been slapped with 70 counts including willfully causing financial loss to the state

They have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are standing trial with the first Prosecution Witness, Rev Stephen Yaw Osei, Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Works and Housing in the Witness box.

In court on Thursday, December 7, 2023, when the case was called for further cross- examination of the witness by lawyers of Collins Dauda led by Thaddeus Sory, the witness was absent with a two-week excused duty from his doctors.

“The court has received a letter from the Parliament of Ghana for request to excused the first accused (Alhaji Collins Dauda) from attendance today, due to the fact that, his presence is urgently required in parliament for crucial exercise in the House to vote for Budget Statement for financial year 2024,” Justice Ernest Owusu Dapaah stated.

He added that, per the letter, it stated that, the request was not intended to undermined the due process of judicial duties.”

Justice Owusu-Dapaah a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting with an additional responsibility as a High Court judge said, the court has “accepted the request to the court by the Speaker.

To this, the Court said, the first accused is excused upon the request of the Speaker of Parliament.

Witness’ excused duty

A Principal State Attorney, Hilda Craig told the Court that, their Witness has been given a two week excused duty and prayed for an adjournment.

“Our witness was to be here this afternoon (Thursday, December 7) to continue with his testimony,” she said.

“My lord, unfortunately we received an excused duty from him which excused him from Court for two weeks and on that basis he will not be able to come to court to continue with his testimony today (Thursday, December 7),” Ms. Craig told the Court.

She said, “We wish to bring to the court a copy of the excused duty signed by a doctor at Ridge Hospital Kojo Okutu Blackson dated December 6, 2023.”

Justice Owusu-Dapaah after hearing the parties said the “Court will take the excused duty on its face value” and adjourned the case to December 21, 2023 for continuation.

Background

Alhaji Collins Dauda, together with Dr. Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, a former Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing; Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu, Chief Director at the Ministry for Water Resources, Works and Housing, contributed to the Saglemi Housing deal when it was prepared and signed.

Also playing part are businessman Andrew Clocanas, Executive Chairman of Construtora OAS Ghana Limited and Nouvi Tetteh Angelo, Chief Executive Officer and owner of Ridge Management Solutions Ghana Limited.

Alhaji Collins Dauda, a former Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing who doubles as NDC MP for Asutifi South in the Ahafo Region, and four others are involved in the $200 million Saglemi Housing Project scandal.

ALSO READ:

• Affordable Housing case: Collins Dauda, 4 others slapped with 70 fresh charges

• Saglemi case: Contractor’s death won’t affect prosecution’s case – Deputy Attorney-General

The evidence in chief from witnesses, coupled with cross-examination from the defence was estimated to last for 1,952 hours. 

Justice Ernest Owusu Dapaah, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting as an additional High Court judge, made this known following the conclusion of Case Management Conference (CMC) and Case completion plan. 

The Court has fixed July 10, 2023, to commence the trial. It has selected Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to hear the trial. 

Other accused persons are Dr Kwaku Agyeman-Mensah, also a former Ministers of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu, a former Chief Director, Mr Andrew Clocanas, Executive Chairman of Construtora OAS Ghana Limited (4th Accused) and Nouvi Tetteh Angelo, Chief Executive Officer, and owner of Ridge Management Solutions Ghana Limited, (5th Accused).

They are standing trial over the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project and are facing 70 charges. 

They have all pleaded not guilty and have been granted bail. 

They are said to have willfully caused financial loss to the state of over the $200M sum approved for the project. 

Madam Hilda Craig, the Principal State Attorney informed the Court that the first witness would tender in evidence 113 documents on behalf of the prosecution. 

Rev. Osei, whose evidence-in-chief is expected to last for an hour-and-half, would be subjected to cross-examination by defence counsel estimated at over 720 hours. 

Mr Eric Amankwah Junior, an Officer of the Ministry of Finance, would be the Second Prosecution witness and is expected to tender in evidence 31 documents. The prosecution would need an hour and half. 

The Defence told the Court that they would need over 50 hours to cross-examination the witnesses. 

Other prosecution witnesses are Ms. Lucy Tetteh Akuetteh from Bank of Ghana, who is expected to tender in evidence six documents, and would be cross examined for an estimated 45 hours. 

Meanwhile, Kofi Ohene Oyirebi, the fourth prosecution witness, is estimated to use an hour and would tender a report. 

He will also face an estimated 87 hours of Cross-examination from the Defence lawyers. 

Deputy Superintendent of Police Charles Nyarko, the investigator in the case, will testify for hours and would be subjected to cross-examination for about 170 hours. 

ALSO READ:

• Saglemi Housing Trial: Defence to study witness statements filed by State 

• Court adjourns Saglemi case over poor health of accused

This is as a result of the inability of the Office of the Attorney General to file the witness statement of some of the witnesses it intends to rely for the trial.

Winnifred Sarpong, a Principal State Attorney, on Tuesday told the court that they have not been able to “file our outstanding documents which includes some witness statements,” adding that “one of the witness statements has not been signed.”

She, therefore, prayed the court to adjourn the case to enable them put their house in order and return to the court for the commencement of the trial. The request was not opposed by the defence lawyers.

Justice Elfreda Dankyi, the trial judge, adjourned the case to October 28, 2022, for continuation.

Alhaji Collins Dauda, together with Dr. Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, a former Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing; Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu, Chief Director at the Ministry for Water Resources, Works and Housing, contributed to the Saglemi Housing deal when it was prepared and signed. Also playing part were businessman Andrew Clocanas, Executive Chairman of Construtora OAS Ghana Limited, as well as Nouvi Tetteh Angelo, Chief Executive Officer and owner of Ridge Management Solutions Ghana Limited. The aforementioned are facing 52 charges, including causing financial loss to the state.

They are also facing charges of intentionally misapplying public property contrary to Section 1 (2) of the Public Property Protection Act, 1977 (SMCD) 140, issuing false certificate contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Government Contracts (Protection) Act, 1979, AFRCD 58, and dishonestly causing loss to public property contrary to Section 2 (1) of the Public Protection Act 1977 (SMCD) 140.

The state reportedly pumped about $200 million into the Saglemi Housing Project, which the Mills/Mahama administration initiated, but the housing units were never completed, even though the funds had allegedly been exhausted before former President Mahama and his NDC team was defeated in the 2016 polls.

The initial agreement, ratified by Parliament, was for the construction of 5,000 housing units, but by the time the project was being executed, only 1,502 housing units had been earmarked for construction without recourse to Parliament.

Interestingly, the contract amount of US$200 million was spent when even the 1,502 housing units could not fully be completed.

Only 668 were done, according to investigations compiled and sent to the Attorney General’s Department, and these are not even habitable.

The Tamale North Member of Parliament described the cases as “frivolous trumped-up charges intended to politically persecute and politically harass”.

According to him, the NDC remains undoubted and “I do not think that these charges can stand the test of law”
Mr Iddrissu questioned why the state would proceed to press charges against Collins Dauda at the time the court is on legal vacation.

“Our very experienced and seasoned MP Collins Dauda and 4 others have been charged. Interesting times in Ghana even when the courts are supposed to be on judicial vacations. It is instructive that they are being charged when the court are themselves on vacation. What is the hurry, what is the desperation?” he quizzed.

Mr Dauda, who is a former Minister for Water Resources, Works, and Housing, has been accused of altering the Saglemi housing agreement ratified by Parliament in 2012.

The Asutifi South MP, his successor, former Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing Dr Kwaku Agyeman-Mensah, and three others, are facing 52 counts of criminal charges for intentionally misapplying public property, willfully causing financial loss to the Republic, and dishonestly causing loss to public property.

But Haruna Iddirsu in an interaction with the media alleged that in May 2018, the NPP administration under Samuel Atta Akyea as Minister for Works and Housing ay some payment to the Constructor responsible for the Saglemi Affordable Housing project.

“Is it not interesting that he is being charged financial loss to the state when we have evidence that as of May 2018 some payments were made to the same contractors and yet the persons who made those payments are not being charged? It only can be a matter of selectivity,” he said.

Haruna Iddrisu further observed that “selective justice is discriminatory and in breach and affront to the article 17 of 1992 constitution”. Insisting the current prosecution of the Collins Dauda is “selective justice aimed at selective harassment and political intimidation of us.”

Mr Iddrisu led a delegation, to support their colleague MP, Collins Dauda, who is facing trial for allegedly causing financial loss to the state in the controversial Saglemi Housing deal.

Some of the Minority MPs, who were in court include Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak, Dr Dominic Ayine, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, Eric Opoku, Mahama Ayariga and Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

Some other party executives including Sammy Gyamfi and Joshua Akamba were also in court to throw their weight behind Mr Duada.

Collins Dauda, who was Mr Mensah’s successor, together with three others, have been charged with causing financial loss to the state in the controversial deal.

Mr Dauda, who supervised the initiative at the time it was approved by Parliament, has also been charged with intentionally misapplying public property.

But reacting to the charges, Mr Gyamfi said Mr Dauda did nothing wrong, adding that some of the things he has been blamed for were put in place by Mensah.

To him, the prosecution of Mr Dauda is an attempt by the Akufo-Addo-led government to detract from its inability to complete the project started by the erstwhile Mahama government and goes beyond the alleged financial loss.

Reacting to the comments on Accra-based Metro TV, the Council of State member stated the claims were untrue and do not reflect the reality.

According to him, the plan was to construct 5,000 housing units in just one phase and not the varied phases as purported.

He further denied claims that the project designs were varied after the technical committee noticed that the initial designs were not fit for the Ghanaian context.

“The plan was 5,000 houses, first phase. It is a lie (it wasn’t going to be built in four phases(. I was not involved in any phasing system. We knew that we wanted to build, that is 5,000 houses to be built for workers, and it was approved.

RELATED:

• Collins Dauda reacts to Saglemi Housing deal brouhaha [Audio]

• Saglemi project: Case against Collins Dauda frivolous – Sammy Gyamfi fumes

“Executive approval was given and parliament approved it, so if anything at all, If I wanted to change something, I had to go through the same process again,” he told Paul Adom Otchere on Good Evening Ghana.

Sammy Gyamfi sees the development as an attempt by the Akufo-Addo-led government to detract from its inability to complete the project started by the erstwhile Mahama government.

“The case against Collins Dauda and others is frivolous and a poor attempt by the vindictive Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to create a convenient excuse for their abandonment of the Saglemi Housing project,” he said.

Former Works and Housing Minister, Collins Dauda, has seen charges pressed against him by the Attorney-General for allegedly causing financial loss to the state in the deal.

Mr Dauda, who supervised the initiative at the time it was approved by Parliament, has also been charged with intentionally misapplying public property.

In the particulars of offences, he is said to have intentionally misapplied $200 million, “by causing the said amount, which had been approved by the Parliament of Ghana for the construction of 5,000 housing units, to be applied towards the payment of 1,412 housing units under the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project.”

Mr Gyamfi disagrees with this assertion saying that there was no point at which the Ministry changed the target of 5,000 housing units.

At no point was the objective of building 5,000 houses approved by Parliament changed or varied, save that, same was supposed to be delivered in Phases. And this was going to be delivered with the approved amount of $200 million only and nothing more.

According to the NDC spokesperson, Mr Dauda “only amended and restated the Works Agreement in line with the same provisions and reduced the number of Phases from four to three to shorten the project duration.”

He insisted that this singular act by Samuel Atta Akyea, the former Works and Housing Minister without Parliamentary approval, is a crime, then his head must also roll.

“It is worthy of note, that the Akufo-Addo government under the leadership of Samuel Atta Akyea, as Minister for Works and Housing, amended and restated the Works Agreement and effected payments of over $5.6 million to the contractor for the project. Yet, neither Atta Akyea nor his Chief Director has been charged for any wrongdoing by this government,” Mr Gyamfi said.

He explained that “the decision that the 5,000 housing units should be built in Phases was provided for in the Works Agreement which was executed by E.T. Mensah.”

“What Parliament had to approve was the terms of the loan agreement as required under Article 181 (1) of the Constitution which they did and not the Works Agreement. In any case, the Works Agreement was amended and restated by the Akufo-Addo government without Parliamentary approval.

“And so assuming the lack of Parliamentary approval for the Works Agreement or a variation of same constitutes a crime, then why hasn’t Atta Akyea or his Chief Director been charged? Why this obscene selective application of the law?”

Narrating the reason for her actions, she told the Appointments Committee that she pushed Mr Dauda because she assumed he was the one who instructed the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Ernest Norgbey, to pull out her chair which led to her falling on her knees in the Chamber.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful revealed this during her vetting at the Appointments Committee in Parliament.

Below is her narration:

“A lot happened on January 7, 2021, and none of us can proud of. We entered the chamber and no seat was labelled and nobody had an idea of where to sit. In my estimation, it was supposed to be free sitting and anybody could seat anywhere. Incidentally, that was the same seat I was seated on in the house on the same day. Collins Dauda kept asking me what are you doing here? Get up and leave.

“I was sitting here when the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman in the company of several other gentlemen walked up; I understand that my inference to his earlier comment and the unprovoked assault on him at the time were not linked but the chair was pulled from me and I fell on my knees and so when I got up, instinctively I made a conclusion that he (Collins Dauda) has colluded with the gentleman who did that and I said if you won’t allow me sit on my chair then I won’t allow you sit on that chair. I am not justifying what happened but the event of January 7, 2021, got out of hands and I have apologised to Collins Dauda and I’m yet to get an apology from Ernest Norgbey who pushed the chair from under me.”

Thieves, who broke into the building, made away with assets of the station leaving behind only a generator set, chairs, console and transmitter.

Speaking to the General Manager of the station, Eric Annor Boateng, he disclosed to Adom News’ Sulley Dramani that the incident happened at 4:30am over the weekend.

The station, said to be owned by Asutifi South Member of Parliament and a former Works and Housing Minister, Alhaji Collins Dauda, in the Ahafo Regional Capital town of Goaso, had been shut down prior to the robbery.

• Tanker driver’s mate mistaken to be an armed robber lynched in…

• Nkoranza South NDC MP takes bold action against robbery

The station was shut down by the government for allegedly breaching license regulations and only one night officer was on duty.

The owner of Nananom FM, Mr Dauda earlier told pressmen in an interview that his outfit had settled all fees it was required to pay so the shutdown came as a surprise.

The station, which is yet to bounce back, is now almost empty.

National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi South constituency was allegedly assaulted at a polling station at Acherensua in the Ahafo region during the voter registration exercise.

Alhaji Collins Dauda claimed a driver of his opponent of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Yaw Owusu Brempong, sprayed his eyes with pepper spray when he tried to ensure law and order at the polling station.

Narrating his ordeal on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, he said he had only gone to the polling station to monitor the process when the incident occurred.

Mr Dauda said but for the intervention of some police officers who rushed him to the Acherensua Health Centre, he would have been blind.

ALSO READ:

• Zanetor Rawlings ‘hot’ over Voters Register comment
• Kweku Baako sends strong message after winning case against Kennedy Agyapong
• Troops in V/R: NDC, chiefs ready to trigger ‘plan B’ if…

The NDC MP blamed his rival, Mr Brempong for allegedly masterminding his attack because his driver, Okai Emma sprayed the pepper into his eyes.

The Asutifi South MP could not fathom why his opponent will employ such crude tactics when they have all signed a bond to be of good behaviour.

Mr Dauda said he has reported the matter to the police for the culprit to be brought to book.

In response, the NPP candidate for the area, Mr Brempong denied the attack was instigated by his driver.

He said he was not at the polling station when the incident occurred, hence cannot be blamed for Mr Dauda’s woes.

Mr Brempong said he is a peaceful person and will not sanction any attack on his opponent during the voters’ registration exercise.

The Brong Ahafo Regional First Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe has chided Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye for scolding the police over the “rambo-style” arrest of Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, Alhaji Collins Dauda.

The speaker had urged the Police administration to follow the laid-down procedure of inviting Members of Parliament (MP) to assist in police investigations.

His comment follows reports that the police raided the homes of the MP for Asutifi South, Alhaji Collins Dauda in connection with alleged abatement of assault.

The law requires the police to inform the speaker and the leadership of Parliament in matters of police investigations involving MPs.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament Tuesday, Prof Oquaye condemned the manner in which the police disregard the privileges enjoyed by parliamentarians.

READ THESE STORIES 

• $2BN SINOHYDRO DEAL NOT LOAN AGREEMENT – IMF

• FULL TEXT: AKUFO-ADDO’S SPEECH AT THE 73RD UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

• BILL COSBY, NOW INMATE NN7687, PLACED IN SINGLE CELL

• AUDIO: JOHN BOADU SUSPECTS SABOTAGE IN NADMO RELIEF ITEMS

But Abronye DC as he is affectionately called commenting on the Speaker’s position said the Speaker of Parliament has no right to warn the police.

He accused Prof Oquaye of shielding what he describes as lawlessness by a Member of Parliament, a situation he said does not augur well for Ghana’s democracy.

“Prof Oquaye should know that he is not the only lawyer in this country. He should come again because a lawyer doesn’t behave like that. How can you warn the police and interfere in their work”.

“Collins Dauda is not a saint. He is the cause of all the troubles in that town and so the speaker should just leave the matter to the police to deal with,” he said on Neat FM as monitored by Adomonline.com.

Abronye DC said he will go all out to ensure that Collins Dauda is brought to book.

According to him, the police erred in invading the privacy of an honourable member which is against parliamentary privileges.

In a statement issued in Accra Tuesday, Prof. Ocquaye urged the police to inform Parliament before it takes any such action on any MP.

RELATED STORY: Heavily-armed police officers storm Collins Dauda’s residence

“We would want to put on record that in the future, the leadership of the House, the Speaker of the House should be informed of all such leads so that it can be done with all the appropriate decency…” he added.

Below is the full statement

“Hon. Dauda’s residences in Accra and his constituency have been searched by the police in a manner that honourable members felt were not in consonant with parliamentary privileges…

“We want to inform and to repeat that the privileges of this honourable House have been clearly set out in the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana. It applies to all members upon whatever side and at all times and in all circumstances, and those also in charge of security agencies are very much aware of this.

RELATED STORY: IGP ordered Collins Dauda’s arrest  – Asiedu Nketia asserts [Audio]

“Nevertheless, we are also mindful of the fact that we are not above the law. It, therefore, means that what we essentially ask for is not to be taken by surprise or not to be treated in a manner that will not be consistent with the dignity that an honourable member of parliament should be attended to, and that is the essence of our parliamentary privilege…

“We would want to put on record that in the future, the leadership of the House, the Speaker of the House should be informed of all such leads so that it can be done with all the appropriate decency…”

Prof. Oquaye reiterated that: “When an invitation is required, we will want it to be routed rightfully and the appropriate honourable member will attend to the appropriate invitation at the highest quarters, preferably the Commissioner of Police CID in-charge of investigations because monkeys play by sizes.

READ ALSO: God can favour you in difficult times – Mahama preaches [Video]

“If you want an honourable member of parliament, that person will come in the good company of parliamentary leadership and to the Commissioner in-charge of investigations at the Ghana police.

“We want the security agencies to be mindful that the police should not invade the premises of a member, or appear to be doing so in a manner that will raise unnecessary difficulties for us.”

The incident happened Tuesday dawn at his home in the constituency where the police claim they had orders from above.

READ ALSO: Tear gas, warning shots fired, 2 tanker drivers injured [Photos]

Minority Chief Whip, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka confirmed this to Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem Tuesday.

He said Collins Dauda was not home when the incident occurred but his family members were left traumatised.

The Minority Chip Whip has accused the government of intimidation and has vowed to resist any further threats.

READ ALSO: We won’t take politically expedient But Economically Unsustainable Policy Decisions”

Meanwhile, the Brong Ahafo Regional Police Command has asked Collins Dauda to report at the office of the IGP when he arrives in Accra.

But Mubarak Muntaka said the Asutifi South MP will not report to the police since he has not been charged for any crime.

READ ALSO: TUC fires govt over fuel price hikes