COCOBOD has stated that no procurement transactions for the fifteen (15) iPad keyboards in a memo circulating on social media have taken place. This was contained in a statement from the Public Affairs Department dated Monday, April 1, 2024. A memo to the Director of Finance dated February 26, which has since gone viral, captured a request for the purchase of some 15 iPad keyboards at a cost of GHC4,500 each.
The letter has since generated widespread criticism of the board for seeking to spend over GHC67,000 on the keyboards. Meanwhile, the statement, in an attempt to clarify the issue, noted that “the said memo is a proposal requesting management to approve the procurement of iPad keyboards for members of the Board of Directors.” “We wish to emphasize that Management has not sanctioned the procurement of the keyboards, and consequently, no procurement transactions have taken place,” it said.
According to COCOBOD, the purchase of the keyboards has become necessary owing to its adoption of a new app, “COVENE”, to facilitate efficiency and cut down on paper and stationary at its meetings. “The request to purchase iPad keyboards was based on the Board’s adoption of the “CONVENE” App which is part of efforts to reduce the use of paper and stationary during board meetings, while at the same time, enhancing productivity and collaboration among members.”
