BNI probes importation of rice

Page 24: Daily Graphic, May 27, 2009.
Story: Albert K. Salia
THE Bureau of National Investigations(BNI) has began probing the importation of the $10 million worth of rice from India,which was allegedly paid for by the National Investment Bank (NIB).
It has also began a similar probe into the saga surrounding the importation and disposal of a number of vehicles by the Ghana@50 team.
For clues into the rice deal, the BNI yesterday continued with the interrogation of the immediate past Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Mr Akwasi Osei Adjei, for his alleged role in the transaction.
A source at the BNI confirmed to the Daily Graphic that Mr Osei was at the BNI with his lawyer last Wednesday and yesterday to assist in the investigations.
It said Mr Adjei went to India to negotiate for rice amounting to $6 million and allegedly convinced the NIB to pay for it on behalf of the ministry.
The NIB, the sources said, was now demanding $10 million from the ministry.
It said the invitation of the former minister was among other issues that the BNI was investigating.
The source cited the saga surrounding the importation and disposal of the Ghana@50 vehicles.
It said officials of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), Mechanical Lloyd and Svani Ltd have also been interrogated.
The source said those are part of routine investigations and many more that the BNI was looking into.
It said when the need arose for any individual or institution to be invited, it would do so.
When contacted, Mr Adjei confirmed that the BNI invited him to clarify one or two issues in respect of his role in the importation of the rice.
Mr Adjei told the Daily Graphic that officials of the BNI questioned him about his role in the importation of the rice and other issues which the BNI did not understand.
He said he asked the BNI to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration or the NIB to find out the details of the transaction and if they needed further clarifications he would be ready to provide them.