By Twink Jones Gadama
A shocking revelation has emerged regarding a lucrative deal between the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) and a Ghanaian company, Hashcom Ghana Limited. The company, owned by a single individual, Baba Halibu Musa, is set to receive a staggering K4.5 billion for a disinformation and misinformation system.
However, an investigation has raised serious questions about the legitimacy of the deal. A search of Ghana’s Registrar General’s office online system failed to yield any information on Hashcom Ghana Limited. Instead, it was discovered that the company is owned by a man who operates multiple companies from a single location, raising concerns about the company’s credibility.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that Baba Musa operates these companies as an “agent” of other suppliers, a practice commonly referred to as “Doba doba.” This has sparked concerns about how MACRA identified the company in sealed tenders, particularly when the software in question is readily available on the market for a mere US$600.
According to this publication, Hashcom Ghana Limited has no certified software engineer, and its allied companies focus on audio TV and television studios and equipment. This raises serious questions about the company’s capacity to deliver a high-sensitive system, which is expected to be installed at rented villas in Lilongwe.
The deal has been shrouded in secrecy, with MACRA’s tendering process being criticized for lacking transparency. The fact that a national body like MACRA managed to source a one-man corporation to supply a sensitive system has left many scratching their heads.
“This is a clear case of corruption and lack of transparency,” said a source close to the investigation. “MACRA’s decision to award this contract to Hashcom Ghana Limited is questionable, and we demand that the authorities investigate this matter further.”
The MACRA-GATE scandal has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for the resignation of MACRA’s top officials. The deal has also raised concerns about the country’s ability to manage its resources effectively.
As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the MACRA-GATE scandal has exposed the deep-seated corruption and lack of transparency that plagues Malawi’s institutions. It is imperative that the authorities take swift action to address these concerns and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
In a related development, MACRA has been defending its decision to award the contract to Hashcom Ghana Limited. According to MACRA, the company was selected through a competitive bidding process. However, this publication has revealed that the company’s bid was not the lowest, raising further questions about the tendering process.
As the controversy surrounding MACRA-GATE continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the people of Malawi demand transparency and accountability from their institutions. It is time for MACRA to come clean and explain how this dubious deal was made.
The MACRA-GATE scandal has also raised questions about the role of regulatory bodies in Malawi. Are they serving the interests of the people, or are they being used to further the interests of a select few?
As the investigation continues, the people of Malawi will be watching closely to see how this saga unfolds. One thing is certain: the MACRA-GATE scandal has exposed the dark underbelly of corruption and lack of transparency that plagues Malawi’s institutions. It is time for change.
