News

I did not cause transfer of customs officer – Works, Housing Minister

The Minister for Works and Housing , Francis Asenso-Boakye, has denied allegation that he interfered in the transfer of one Mr Adubufour, a Customs officer stationed at the Tema Harbour, despite a recommendation made by a disciplinary committee.

According to him, the allegation was false and without merit.

A statement signed and issued in Accra yesterday by Mr Asenso-Boakye described the allegation as a “misrepresentation of the facts aimed at tainting his hard won reputation”.

The allegation was made on an Accra-based TV station.

Detailing the case, the Minister said while serving as a deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the President in 2018, he received a phone call from some local elders at Bantama, Kumasi , informing him of a proposed transfer of Mr Adubufour, who felt he was unfairly targeted for the dutiful performance of his functions as a Customs officer.

He noted that he called the then Commissioner of Customs to ascertain the veracity of the claim.

The Commissioner of Customs, he said, denied any such transfer was being considered, a feedback which was conveyed to the elders.

In light of the feedback, Mr Asenso-Boakye said he took no further interest in the matter.

“At no time in the course of my conversation with the Customs Boss or any other person was I made aware of any disciplinary committee recommendation to transfer Mr Adubofuor as was stated on the TV station.

“Neither, did I exert any undue influence on the Customs Boss to maintain Mr Adubofour, an authority I simply did not have, even if, indeed, he was to be transferred,” he added.

He noted that he had instructed his lawyers to write to the TV station demanding a retraction and an apology.

“I trust this will be done with dispatch and given equal prominence as with the false assertion made on the station,” he stated.

Mr Asenso-Boakye said he had operated with the highest standards of ethics and integrity and in full compliance with the law at all times in the discharge of his duties.

BY TIMES REPORTER

Show More
Back to top button