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The need for accountability and transparency cannot be overstated. This investigative story by Winifred Lartey clears the air on the claim that the former vice president of Ghana, Dr Bawumia, may be benefitting from an organisation that provides essential services to Ghanaians. We sat with Winifred as she shared her experience, hopes and fears while putting this story together.
What’s this story— Bawumia, Hubtel, and ECG payment about?
This story delves into the allegations linking former vice president Dr Bawumia to Hubtel, a company involved in collecting electricity bills. It examines claims suggesting a potential conflict of interest where a high-ranking public official might indirectly benefit from revenue streams tied to essential services. The investigation assesses financial records, corporate ownership structures, and audit reports to separate fact from rumour and explore the broader implications for accountability and transparency in public finance.
Why does this story matter to you?
This story matters because it strikes at the heart of public trust in government institutions. In an era when citizens demand transparency and accountability, any hint of a conflict of interest—especially involving essential services like electricity billing—can erode confidence in governance. For me, pursuing this investigation is about upholding the integrity of public service and ensuring that allegations of impropriety are thoroughly examined, regardless of how politically sensitive they might be.
Is there a problem if Bawumia owns Hubtel and Hubtel is in charge of collecting ECG bills? If yes, why?
Yes, there could be a significant problem. If a public official like Dr. Bawumia has ownership or financial interests in Hubtel, which is responsible for ECG bill collection, it raises the spectre of a conflict of interest. Such a scenario could compromise regulatory oversight, create opportunities for preferential treatment or mismanagement, and ultimately undermine public confidence in both the electoral process and the management of critical public resources. This potential overlap must be scrutinised to ensure that public duty and private interests do not collide.
You made reference to the last ECG audit report recording no payment to Dr Bawumia. But is there a possibility Mr Bawumia could have used someone else’s identity?
While the audit report clearly shows no direct payment to Dr Bawumia, we cannot entirely rule out the possibility of identity substitution or misattribution without further investigation. That said, there is currently no solid evidence to suggest that an alternative identity was used. This possibility remains one of several angles that warrant continued scrutiny to clarify the matter fully.
What was your biggest challenge during this investigation?
The biggest challenge was untangling the complex web of corporate and financial records amidst a politically charged environment. I started this investigation on 20th December, 2 weeks after Ghana’s general elections. Obtaining reliable data, navigating through opaque corporate structures, and ensuring that every claim was thoroughly fact-checked required persistent effort and a delicate balance between impartiality and investigative rigour. Also, it took three months to get Hubtel’s registration records from the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC). I used the Right to Information (RTI) Law to demand such private information. Additionally, reaching out to key stakeholders often met with resistance, which further complicated the process.
Is there anything else you want to share?
I’d like to add that multiple media houses, including TV3, Joy FM, Star FM, Peace FM, and Asaase Radio, have republished this story and credited DUBAWA. My commitment has always been to present a comprehensive, balanced investigation that contributes constructively to public discourse. By clarifying these allegations, I hope to reinforce the importance of transparency in governance and safeguard the public interest.
