The Northern Development Authority (NDA) has issued a firm rejoinder refuting allegations circulating on social media and online portals, including Home Radio Online, GhanaWeb, and Radio Tamale.
These publications alleged the sale of state lands in Accra and Tamale, unethical procurement practices, missing assets, and auctioning of vehicles under questionable circumstances.
In a statement signed by Mr Sulley Sambian, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NDA, the Authority described the allegations as baseless and lacking depth.
As a general principle, I do not respond to pathetically lame allegations of this sort, Mr. Sambian said.
However, in respect to public concern, he addressed the claims point by point to set the record straight.
1. Sale of State Lands in Accra and Tamale
The NDA categorically denied claims of selling state lands in Cantonments, Accra, and Tamale. According to Mr. Sambian, efforts to develop the Authority’s property at Cantonments revealed the absence of legal ownership documents.
The NDA subsequently applied for a lease from the Lands Commission, which granted 1.2 acres to the Authority. The Acting CEO also dismissed allegations of land sales in Tamale, affirming that no such transactions have occurred.
2. Missing Motorbikes
Addressing reports of 24 missing motorbikes, Mr Sambian explained that the discrepancy was discovered during a stock-taking exercise following his assumption of office.
The issue was reported to the Northern Regional Police Command, leading to arrests. He noted that the incident is under active investigation and criticized individuals allegedly inciting protests over the arrests.
3. Tricycle Procurement and Sales
The NDA clarified its role in procuring tricycles under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme, emphasizing that due process was followed. Mr. Sambian dismissed accusations of conflict of interest, stating that neither he nor the Board Chairman has any connection with the tricycle supplier.
4. Missing Toyota Hilux Pickup
The alleged disappearance of a Toyota Hilux pickup with registration number GS 9442-21 was also addressed. The vehicle had been assigned to the Board Chairman for official use prior to Mr. Sambian’s tenure. The Acting CEO described the claim as misleading, noting that the Authority had sufficient vehicles for operations.
5. Auction of Unserviceable Vehicles
On the matter of auctioned vehicles, the NDA confirmed that the process began before Mr. Sambian’s appointment and adhered to standard procedures, including public advertisements. Proceeds from the auction were deposited into a government account at the Bank of Ghana.
Concerns Over Journalistic Standards
Mr. Sambian expressed disappointment that none of the media outlets contacted him or the Board Chairman for clarification before publishing the allegations. He called the publications defamatory and a breach of acceptable journalistic standards.
The Acting CEO concluded by reassuring stakeholders of the NDA’s commitment to transparency and accountability, urging the public to disregard the baseless allegations.
Story By: Robicon Mornahson
