I have had the opportunity to watch a video in which Captain Smart mentioned my name on the “Maakye” morning show on Accra-based Onua TV, in relation to a matter concerning a Ghanaian firm, Labianca Company Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and further alleged that I interfered in the transfer of one Mr. Adubufour, a Customs officer stationed at the Tema Harbour, despite a recommendation made by a disciplinary committee.
It is deeply regrettable that he chose to misrepresent the facts in a vile attempt to besmirch my hard won reputation. The claims made by Captain Smart are false and without merit, and as a journalist, I was expecting him to conduct his work with the highest standard of integrity and truthfulness, much as is expected of all public servants and anyone seeking to promote good governance in the national interest.
I take the liberty to reproduce the facts as faithfully conveyed to him when we last spoke on this matter as follows:
- Sometime in 2018, as deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, I received a phone call from some elders of my local community, Bantama, informing me of a proposed transfer of Mr. Adubufour, who felt was unfairly targeted for the dutiful performance of his functions as a Customs officer.
- I called the then Customs Boss to ascertain the veracity of the claim. He denied any such transfer was being considered.
- I conveyed this feedback to the elders and took no further interest in the matter.
At no time in the course of my conversation with the Customs Boss or Captain Smart was I made aware of any disciplinary committee recommendation to transfer Mr. Adubofuor as was stated on by Captain Smart on his TV programme. 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.
In light of the above, I have instructed my lawyers to write to Captain Smart 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 his show.
At all times in the discharge of my duties to our beloved country, I have operated with the highest standards of ethics and integrity and in full compliance with the law.
SIGNED
FRANCIS ASENSO-BOAKYE (MP)
