NDC petitions Police to probe Afenyo Markin

A group affiliated to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) have petitioned the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service to investigate the conduct of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo Markin, over his alleged involvement in the bribery scandal that has rocked the Agricultural Development Bank.

Below is the petition:

Director General Criminal Investigation Department Ghana Police Service Accra.

28th September,2015

Dear Sir,

PETITION FOR THE INSTITUTION OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO BRIBERY AND EXTORTION ALLEGATION AGAINST THE HON ALEXANDER AFENYO MARKINS, MP FOR EFFUTU CONSTITUENCY.

We, the undersigned, do hereby petition your good office to commence criminal investigations into the serious allegations of bribery and extortion against the Member of Parliament for Effutu Constituency ,Hon Alexander Afenyo Markins.

This has become necessary due to a leaked audio recording involving Mr Afenyo Markins making statements to the effect that he had taken about GHC 250,000.00 in order to do “legal gymnastics” involving the Initial Public Offer (IPO) by the Agricultural Development Bank.

It is our case that under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, Act 29

“Section 151(1) A person who extorts property from any other person by means of threats commits a second-degree felony.”

“Section 247—Explanation as to Extortion.

A public officer is guilty of extortion who, under colour of his office, demands or obtains from any person, whether for purposes or for himself or any other person any money or valuable consideration which he knows that he is not lawfully authorised to demand or obtain….”

The said Mr Alexander Afenyo Markins is a public officer and a Member of Parliament paid from the Consolidated Funds.

He has by the use of blackmail and threat of frustrating the Initial Public Offer by the Agricultural Development Bank extort about GHC 250,000.00 with further demands for more.

On the leaked tape, he is heard disclosing that the deal was brokered by the First Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) Mr Freddie Blay.

The essential ingredients of the offence under Sections 151(1), (2) and 247 includes the taking of the property (including money) and the use of threat which does not include threat of criminal assault or harm.

He has admitted to the extortion of the said amount on the leaked audio.

We have attached to this petition a copy of the leaked audio for your kind attention.

We are counting on your usual cooperation.Thank you.

Yours in the service of God and country.

Dzifa Gunu

0244378516

Stephen Kwabena Attuh

0243718353

Fred Adomako Williams  0207707908 …………… Cc: Inspector General of Police

Attorney General

General Legal Council

New Patriotic Party

Speaker of Parliament.

Ghana Bar Association