BNI arrests four persons in connection with PDS scandal

The Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) has arrested four persons affiliated with the PDS scandal.

They were arrested last week. Their arrest forms part of investigations into the transfer of large sums of money believed to belong to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced in a Facebook post on Monday, May 4.

The four persons are Philip Ayensu, Viraj Phat, Sophia Korkor, and Justice Menka-Premoh.

"The quartet have since been granted bail pending further investigations," Mr Kwakye Ofosu added.

He further stated that their arrest is part of Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL).

It is recalled that during the 2024 election season, then-candidate of the NDC and now President John Dramani Mahama expressed his intention to fully investigate the PDS scandal and bring perpetrators to book.

He cited the US$190 million loss resulting from what he described as "yɛnkyɛndi and cronyism" governance practices under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration, saying it would have to be investigated.

According to Mr Mahama, the amount lost was "unacceptable," adding that the Ghanaian people "deserved better."

In a post on his Facebook page on Friday, May 10, 2024, Mr Mahama said: "It's disheartening to learn that the $190 million we negotiated for private sector participation in electricity distribution under the US Millennium Compact has been lost due to Nana Addo and Bawumia's corrupt, 'yenkyendi,' and cronyism governance practices. This is unacceptable, and we deserve better as a people."

He expressed his intent to ensure private sector efficiency in power distribution in the country.

"As I gear up to assume the presidency in January 2025, thanks to your votes and endorsement in this year's election, I want to assure you that I will work diligently to enhance private sector efficiency in the electricity distribution system, including metering, revenue management, and fault response," portions of his post read.

He noted further that "my administration will prioritise accountability and ensure a thorough investigation of the PDS scandal to hold those involved accountable."