My most cherished asset is my integrity – Bawumia dismisses ‘appearance fee’ claims

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said that he holds his integrity in high esteem and will not allow anyone to undermine it.

His comments follow allegations by Anas Aremeyaw Anas that a Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, had used his name to solicit money.

Reacting to the allegations on his Facebook page on Monday, Dr Bawumia fumed at the alleged conduct of the minister, adding that he was not aware of any such dealing by the minister.

“My attention has been drawn to a video by Anas Aremeyaw Anas (as posted on his social media handle) showing the Minister of State for Finance, Mr Charles Adu Boahen, apparently using my name, inter alia, to peddle influence and collect money from supposed investors,” Dr Bawumia stated.

According to the Vice President, if what the minister is alleged to have said is accurately captured in the video, then his position as a minister of state is untenable.

“I would like to state that if what the minister is alleged to have said is accurately captured in the video, then his position as a minister of state is untenable. He should be dismissed summarily and investigated.

“I am not aware of any such meeting held by Minister Adu Boahen or a supposed ‘appearance fee’.

“My most cherished asset in life is my integrity, and I will not allow anyone to use my name to engage in corrupt activities,” he added.

Shortly after the Vice President’s post, President Akufo-Addo terminated the appointment of the Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen.

In a press statement signed by the Director Of Communications at the Office of the President, Eugene Arhin, the President’s decision follows a discussion with the minister.

The president has further referred the issue to the Office of the Special Prosecutor for investigation.

“After being made aware of the allegations levelled against the Minister in the exposé, ‘Galamsey Economy’, the President spoke to Mr Adu Boahen, after which he took the decision to terminate his appointment, and also to refer the matter to the Special Prosecutor for further investigations.

“The President thanked Mr Adu Boahen for his strong services to his government since his appointment in 2017, and wished him well in his future endeavours,” the statement concluded.