TRIBE Culture Fest has demanded that Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams provide evidence to substantiate allegations that its Chief Executive Officer, Nana Boateng Gyimah, illegally received US$611,000 and has failed to refund the money.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, October 18, the organisation described the allegations as potentially damaging to its reputation, business relationships and public standing.
Nana Gyimah urged the Minister to make public the records supporting his claims, including details of the individuals who allegedly made the payments, the person or entity that received the funds and the agreement said to require repayment.
TRIBE Culture Fest also wants the legal grounds for the alleged refund obligation clarified, insisting that claims of illegal conduct should not be treated as established facts without verifiable evidence.
“We therefore reject any attempt to present the allegation against TRIBE or its CEO as a proven instance of illegal conduct without the supporting evidence being established.
“We ask the Minister to publicly identify the documentary and transactional basis for the allegation, including the agreement said to create the obligation, the persons said to have made the payments, the identity of the recipient and the basis upon which the money is said to be refundable by TRIBE,” the CEO stated.
Nana Gyimah further reminded public officials of the need to ensure accuracy and fairness when making public allegations, noting that the authority of their offices could influence how such claims are perceived.
He said the organisation was not against investigations into credible allegations but maintained that any determination of wrongdoing must follow a thorough examination of the facts.
“Our position is not that allegations should never be investigated. On the contrary, all credible allegations should be investigated thoroughly. Our position is that investigation must precede conclusions about guilt, and that public accusations should be grounded in verifiable facts,” he said.
The CEO also revealed that the organisation’s lawyers had formally requested a retraction of the allegations and an unqualified apology from the Minister.
He said TRIBE Culture Fest remained committed to that demand and had reserved its legal rights in the matter.
Nana Gyimah added that the organisation intended to pursue the issue through the appropriate legal channels rather than engage in political confrontation or speculation.
“We maintain that position and reserve all rights available to us under applicable law. This is a matter we intend to address through the proper legal channels, not through political confrontation or speculation,” he added.
