Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin
In a shocking turn of events, Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has been accused of disregarding procurement laws by employing the services of private legal practitioner Thaddeus Sory, despite the Public Procurement Authority’s (PPA) rejection of his request.
Background of the Controversy
In December 2022, Bagbin wrote to the PPA, seeking approval to engage Sory’s services through a single-source method of procurement.
The proposed arrangement included a retainer fee of GHS5,000 and a specific fee of up to GHS300,000 for constitutional cases in the Supreme Court.
However, the PPA denied this request, citing the Attorney General’s Department as the primary provider of legal services for Parliament.
Defiance Of Procurement Laws
Despite the PPA’s rejection, Speaker Bagbin allegedly proceeded to employ Sory’s services, raising concerns about the Speaker’s disregard for procurement laws.
Critics argue that this move undermines the rule of law and the principles of transparency and accountability.
Implications of the Controversy
The Speaker’s actions have sparked outrage, with many questioning how the leader of the legislative arm of government can flout laws enacted by Parliament.
This controversy also raises concerns about the potential consequences of Alban Bagbin’s actions, including the erosion of trust in the institution and the perpetuation of a culture of impunity.
-BY Daniel Bampoe