“I Can Account For Every Pesewa Spent On HeKaP” – Consultant Kojo Darko Affirms

Arc Kojo Darko-Asante, Consultant/Architect for Heal Komfo Anokye Project (HeKaP)

The lead Consultant and Architect of the Heal Komfo Anokye Project (HeKaP), Arc Kojo Darko-Asante has affirmed his readiness to account for every pesewa of donation given to support the renovation of the four blocks at the only premier health facility in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking on radio, the Consultant said as the spending officer of the project he could explain and provide proof of every single expenditure on the project, adding he was even ready to take a bullet if any malfeasance is established on the project by the ongoing audit which is being undertaken by an independent body.

He explained that so far he had inspected claims and vetted same from contractors working on the project regarding purchases and labour costs.

“With all humility and sincerity i can say without any shred of doubt that every Pesewa that has been given to us by donors that I can account for same since I have been the spending officer of the project through the grace of God and the favour I have received from Otumfuo Osei Tutu II whose project it is”, the Consultant stated.

Details:

Giving details of the project so far, the Architect said apart from the two floors that had been completed for use, there were items available to finish two blocks out of the four at KATH.

He noted that there were special tiles for the two blocks as well as electrical fittings and items for same.

Currently, he said all items that are yet to be used have been housed at the Public Works Department (PWD) warehouses near the Passport office in Adum.

“Even though the project is an express one from Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Board of Trustees and myself were clear in our minds to account to the people of Ghana and the public about the usage of their donations”, Arc Asante stressed.

Figures:

The consultant said currently, the items that were left to be used and are in the warehouse of the PWD amounted to 1.2 million dollars which is equivalent to about 12.9 million Ghana cedis.

Giving the breakdowns, he said they still have eight (8) containers of tiles estimated at GHC 4. 978.134.56.

Electrical items, including British cables, fittings and accessories in three containers at the stores is estimated at GhC 6.596.979.

Additionally, doors including soleco steel doors, frames, hinges, handles and others is estimated at GHC 1, 313,532.00 while Offcuts including ceiling tiles etc are valued around GHC 20,000.00.

Contribution By HeKaP Members:

Mentioning the contributions from the Board of Trustees for HeKaP, Arc Asante said members decided to collect nothing from the project because they were honoured to serve the Asantehene and Asanteman.

He however noted that so far the value of their contributions including consultancy services according to the standards at the Ministry of Works and Housing would be around GhC 1, 650.000.00.

Meanwhile, the Consultant stated cost of managing the project including planning, travels, allowances and per diems forming 20% of project cost would be around GHC 2, 000.000.00, adding that the storage and rent waiver for tiles and doors and other accessories would be GhC 20, 000.

Summing up, Arc Asante disclosed that the grand total of contributions from HeKaP members in monetary terms is estimated to be GhC 3.670.000.00.

‘If the Board of Trustees had charged or taken money for our services including the place we’ve offered for storage and rent we would have taken home GHC 3, 670, 000.00 but this is what we’ve so far contributed to ensure Otumfuo’s project succeeds”, the Consultant posited.

Background:

Since the assumption of office by the new CEO at KATH, one Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo, some elements close to him and members of the governing NDC have on various social media platforms been questioning the work of the Board of Trustees with some attempting to impugn wrong doing and embezzlement of funds on the part of the persons who devoted themselves to serve on the Board of Trustees.

Some of these elements have even suggested that the immediate past CEO played a part in using funds for the project for their personal needs.

Being the spending officer and consultant of the HeKaP, Architect Kojo Darko-Asante decided to respond to what he terms as false narrative and mischievous attempts to pain the work they had done bad in the eyes of the public.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.