A former Deputy Minister of State, Abu Kansangbata, has urged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to deal decisively with individuals who have recklessly mismanaged state resources at the expense of the poor and vulnerable in Ghana.

He emphasized that political party members mobilising to stage protests or picket at the premises of EOCO and OSP should not deter these institutions from carrying out their work professionally and independently.

Kansangbata stated that as a democratic nation for almost three decades, Ghana possesses abundant resources that, if properly managed, can drive national development and create sustainable jobs for the youth, thereby reducing unemployment.

He appealed passionately to John Mahama to ensure that his government implements the comprehensive ORAL report without political interference, adding that the looting under the previous government was excessive and unacceptable for any participatory democracy seeking to strengthen its institutional pillars.

According to him, individuals found culpable by competent courts of jurisdiction must be punished to serve as a deterrent to current and future appointees, ensuring state resources are utilised to improve the living standards of all Ghanaians.

Hon. Kansangbata also called for urgent investigation into the procurement of tricycle motorbikes by the Northern Development Authority (NDA), amounting to nearly GHS 27 million, which was paid into ADB Bank, as well as funds disbursed for the Kparigu irrigation dam project and related visibility studies.

These funds, he said, were advanced to sensitise community members on cultural and environmental resettlement to facilitate major hydro and agricultural construction projects in the northern part of Ghana.

He highlighted that the dam was a significant promise made by government to the people of the Upper East and Savannah Regions, intended to develop large-scale irrigation and hydroelectric systems to transform the region’s economy.

However, the recent parliamentary committee report revealed that government paid $11.9 million for no work done under the previous administration, describing it as cruel and insensitive to the plight of Ghanaians.

The report indicated that this payment was made to M/S PowerChina International Group Limited as part of over $117 million paid to contractors undertaking various projects in 2022, with the $11.9 million captured as the final payment for the Pwalugu Irrigation Project despite no work being done.

Kansangbata concluded by announcing that there will soon be massive demonstrations across the three northern regions to demand transparency and accountability for the chiefs and people of northern Ghana.

He further appealed to EOCO and OSP to extend investigations into the downstream petroleum sector to ensure all funds are accounted for and used for national development.

ID/AE