The "Nduom advises Nduom" story confirmed

Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Economic Planning and Regional Integration, true to his style, has engaged five consultants from his own firm, Deloitte and Touche, West Africa, "to provide services" at the Poverty Reduction Unit, under his Ministry, writes the Ghana Palaver.

The paper says its investigations have revealed that the five are paid in foreign currency and at a fee only known to Dr Nduom. And to ensure absolute secrecy and confidentiality, Dr Nduom has brought down his own secretary from his private firm to work directly under him at the Ministry.

The appointment was made without passing it through the Civil Service Commission and in total disregard for the laid-down procedure. To pamper his men, Dr Nduom has given his official Nissan Patrol vehicle to one of the consultants and has applied for and received a new car.

The Palaver carries that with the transformation of the Ministry into a wing of Nduom's Deloitte and touch?, the top civil servants are virtually being marginalized, a situation, which is leading to an exodus of some of the frustrated ones.

Already, a senior member of staff, on secondment from the Ministry of Finance, has left for further studies. Another frustrated officer from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, is packing up to return to his base. A third official, whose office has been taken away from him and given to one of the consultants, has also served notice to leave for further studies.