Accra - Ghana's education minister on Tuesday resigned from the cabinet as the government launched a probe into the payment of 51 million cedis (30 million dollars) for a contract awarded by the previous administration.
“President Atta Mills has accepted the resignation of Mrs Betty Mould Iddrisu as minister in charge of education,” a statement from the presidency said without giving any explanation on why she resigned.
A source in the presidency said her resignation was in connection with the decision by Atta Mills' government to pay a 51 million cedis settlement to a contractor following the termination of his contract to construct stadia for the 2008 African Cup of Nations, hosted by Ghana.
Earlier this year, the president directed the country's anti-graft agency EOCO to investigate the payment.
The contract was allegedly awarded and terminated by the administration of former president John Kufuor in 2008.
Iddrisu, a lawyer, was then the justice minister when the payment was made to the contractor who was alleged to be a financier of the ruling party, the National Democratic Congress.
Her resignation came less than a week after the dismissal of the justice minister, Martin Amidu, for alleged “misconduct.”
According to media reports, Amidu - a lawyer who took office last year - levelled serious accusations of corruption at some of his government colleagues but was unable to substantiate them. - Sapa-AFP