The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has hailed the verdict of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice (CCJ), viewing it as a significant vindication for the government regarding the establishment of Agyapa Royalties Limited.
The company, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) solely owned by the government through the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), aimed to list up to 49 per cent of its shares on the London Stock Exchange.
The decision sparked debates and accusations since the lead-up to the 2020 general election.
Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications of the NPP, lauded the court’s decision, asserting that it underscored the government’s commitment to transparent and legitimate practices.
He said, “We are happy particularly that it was an ECOWAS Community Court of Justice that adjudicated the issue and arrived at the conclusion that there was no wrongdoing with the spirited move by the government to leverage our mineral incomes to accelerate development.”
Ahiagbah also recognized the efforts of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) for pursuing legal action, stating that the court’s ruling had thoroughly addressed their concerns.
He emphasized, “The ruling serves as a testament to the rule of law and the importance of civil society’s role in ensuring accountability.”
Referring to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s call for active citizenship, Ahiagbah characterized the actions of civil society groups as an embodiment of this principle.
He highlighted the integral role civil society organizations (CSOs) played in holding the government accountable and acknowledged the value of constructive criticism and concerns in the democratic process.
Encouraging continued dialogue between the government and these organizations, Ahiagbah stressed its potential for the nation’s improvement.
The ECOWAS Court’s ruling, he said, should bring closure to a contentious chapter and reaffirm the rule of law as a foundational element of democratic governance within the country.
