Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has commenced a full-scale investigation into activities of beleaguered District Chief Executive (DCE) of Asuogyaman District Assembly in the Eastern region, Mr. Thomas Ampem Nyarko, over an alleged misappropriation of the Assembly’s funds, Today has gathered.
Consequently, Today gathered that Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), an anti-corruption agency, was as well following it with keen interest.
The reason for EOCO’s investigations, according to inside sources, followed a petition sent to President John Dramani Mahama and EOCO by the Concerned National Democratic Congress (NDC) Youth in Asuogyaman which the youth alleged that the Internally Generated Fund (IGF) of the Assembly could not be accounted for at the end of the financial year of 2014/2015.
According to youth, the DCE together with the District Coordinating Director, District Financial Control Officer and Assistant Coordinating Director should all be held responsible for the alleged misappropriation of the funds of the Assembly.
Meanwhile, sources close to the Flagstaff House confirmed to Today on Friday, December 11, 2015 that a petition was brought against the DCE and his other accomplices which situation compelled President Dramani Mahama to direct EOCO to investigate the matter.
The sources disclosed to this paper that a letter was sent to Mr. Nyarko somewhere last week inviting him to appear before EOCO to answer questions on misappropriation of funds at the Assembly.
The petition, dated November 17, 2015, was also copied to the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Kofi Portuphy, regional as well as the Asuagyaman constituency chairman of the governing party.
According to the petition, “We the concerned youth of Asuogyaman constituency of the NDC humbly bring to your notice unacceptable act(s) of the District Chief Executive; Thomas Ampem Nyarko, whose practices contradict your Better Ghana Agenda.”
They stated that Mr. President, the “DCE does not share the vision and aspirations of your policies and our observations are that instead of championing the course in terms of development, he has decided to champion his own parochial interest neglecting that of the general wellbeing of the good people in the district.”
According to them, they were aware of the DCE’s status before his appointment, but right after that he decided to spend monies meant for developmental projects for his personal gains.
“And whiles he does all these things for himself, the good people of the district who voted and got him elected, still do not have good roads, health centres and above all school pupils in Korankye are studying under trees.
Instead of championing the Better Ghana agenda, he has decided to champion his own selfish interest,” they said.
The petitioners asserted that the little money received as the District Common Fund from the government was not invested in areas of interest to the good people of Asuogyaman, but for his [DCE’s] selfish gains and to enrich himself and close associates.
They alleged that “the DCE has refused to move and stay in his official bungalow instead he has rented an apartment at VRA Sadelmi Down (House Number N15 B), Community One at Akosombo at the expense of the Assembly.”
