Ayariga runs to court after initial protests

The Member of Parliament of Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has made his way to the High Court for the criminal case against him after initial complaints.

The Bawku MP was expected in court by 1 pm this afternoon after an order to represent himself amid charges of tax evasion and fraud.

Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu led a team of MPs to the court to support Mr. Ayariga.

In his earlier protests, the Bawku Central MP made an application to the Speaker to rule on the issue following his summons to court to face the charges against him by the Special Prosecutor in court.

He argued that his immunity as a legislator needed to be respected.

Mr. Ayariga has also challenged the Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, who is pursuing him in court over the charges of tax evasion and fraud.

He insists that the Special Prosecutor must follow due process as he probes the allegations.

He is accused of fraudulently evading customs duties and taxes by paying GHc6,062.86 instead of the approved duties and taxes of GHc36,597.15 to clear three Toyota V8 Land Cruisers.”

He is also accused of allegedly abusing his office as a public officer for his private benefit by selling the three Toyota V8 Land Cruisers meant to be used for your official duties as a Member of Parliament to Kendrick Akwasi Marfo of ATLAS-Rent-A-Car at a price of GHc40,000 each.

Mr. Amidu sued Mr. Ayariga and subsequently wrote to the Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye to “release” the Bawku Central legislator to appear in court on Tuesday to answer to the criminal charges against him.

But the MP who just returned from Abuja on Parliamentary duties described the invitation as “inappropriate” and will not honor it.