A growing controversy surrounding Gabriel Adovoe Kwablah Kwamigah, a contender for the position of Council of State Member for the Volta Region, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from concerned citizens. Kwamigah, who is currently embroiled in a $7.05 million gold fraud case at an Accra High Court, is being urged by the group called Volta for Integrity to step aside to avoid tarnishing the reputation of the government and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The group, based in the Volta Region, has called on President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC leadership to take immediate action to prevent the scandal from damaging Ghana’s image, particularly on the international stage.
In a statement, Volta for Integrity emphasized that the Council of State, which advises the President, is a noble office that must not be occupied by individuals with questionable character.
**Details of the Gold Fraud Case**
According to court documents, Mr Kwamigah, a Director and shareholder of Sesi-Edem Company Limited, a purported gold dealership firm, allegedly struck a deal with an Azerbaijani businessman, Orkhan Oglu Sadikhov, in Dubai in November 2023.
The agreement involved the supply of 180 kilograms of gold at $52,000 per kilogram. Mr Sadikhov advanced $1 million as a down payment, with the balance to be paid upon delivery of the full consignment.
However, Mr Kwamigah reportedly delivered only 60 kilograms of gold, leaving a deficit of 120 kilograms. Despite receiving a total of $9.05 million from Mr Sadikhov, Mr Kwamigah failed to fulfill the remainder of the agreement.
In a shocking turn of events, Mr Sadikhov alleged that Mr Kwamigah provided him with fake gold during a late-night meeting.
When Mr Sadikhov demanded an assay to verify the gold’s authenticity, Mr. Kwamigah allegedly claimed that the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) had closed for the day. Subsequent tests confirmed the gold was counterfeit.
Mr. Sadikhov, fearing for his safety after allegedly being threatened by Mr Kwamigah and his associates, lodged a formal complaint and left Ghana. Mr Kwamigah has since been charged with conspiracy to defraud and defrauding by false pretenses.
**Links to Previous Scandals**
This is not the first time Mr Kwamigah has been implicated in a high-profile scandal. He has been cited in several criminal cases and is allegedly linked to the infamous NAM1 Menzgold saga, which defrauded thousands of Ghanaians of their investments.
**Calls for Accountability**
“Volta for Integrity” has urged the public and appointing authorities to scrutinize individuals seeking high office to prevent Ghana from being exposed to international ridicule.
The group emphasized that the Council of State must be occupied by individuals of integrity who can uphold the dignity of the office and the nation.
As the case unfolds, many Ghanaians are watching closely to see how the government and the NDC leadership will address the issue, particularly given its potential to undermine public trust in the political system.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Mr Kwamigah’s political aspirations and Ghana’s reputation on the global stage.