The Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), Dr. Hanna Bissiw-Kotei, has raised serious concerns about financial mismanagement and bribery within the organization. According to Dr. Bissiw-Kotei, past administrators of the fund paid $9,600 per month to rent an office space described as “a cubicle” for 12 years, amounting to a total of $1.4 million.
The office space, allegedly owned by Kwabena Kufuor, a nephew of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, was in poor condition, with directors having to keep files on the floor due to a lack of drawers and cabinets. Dr. Bissiw-Kotei expressed shock over the high rental cost, noting that a nearby location rents for about $6,500 per month.
The excessive rent payments, Dr. Bissiw-Kotei lamented, diverted resources from critical operations, resulting in staff and communities not being adequately served. She made the allegation on an Accra-based television station, Metro TV. Furthermore, she alleged that Kwabena Kufuor offered her a $10,000 bribe to silence her about the inflated office rental agreement, which she rejected and reported.
Dr. Bissiw-Kotei emphasized her commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the Fund’s operations, raising concerns about financial mismanagement under previous leadership. She confirmed that the $10,000 bribe money is still with her, having reported the incident.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
