Tamale, Ghana – An Insider informant and concerned citizen (Name Withheld) at the Northern Development Authority (NDA) has issued an urgent call for an investigation into alleged acts of corruption and abuse of office involving Mr Sulley Sambian, the Acting Chief Executive Officer, and Dr Sulemana Abdulai, the Board Chairman of the Northern Development Authority (NDA).
The allegations centre on suspected improprieties in the sale of state assets, misuse of Authority resources, and conflicts of interest. The allegations, detailed in a statement, highlight the following key issues:
Sale of NDA Lands in Tamale and Accra
Mr. Sambian and Dr. Abdulai are accused of orchestrating the sale of NDA lands, including a prime property in Accra situated at Cantonments, opposite the American Embassy. The property, measuring 1.714 acres and transferred to the NDA with a bungalow and outer house, was intended to serve as a liaison office for the erstwhile Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA).
It is alleged that a portion of this land has been sold to a private developer who has commenced construction, prompting calls for immediate intervention by relevant authorities to halt what has been described as “nicked thievery of state lands.”
A former deputy Upper West regional minister, Abu Kansangbata expressing deep frustration regarding the latest revelation, described the sale as “a betrayal of public trust and a reckless disregard for the future of our communities.” He further supported the calls for immediate intervention from former President John Dramani Mahama to address what he termed a “land grab.”
This injustice must be corrected. Our national assets must be safeguarded for future generations. The interests of the people must come first, his statement read.
The land, situated opposite the American Embassy, includes a bungalow and an outer house, both of which were integral to its original purpose. Activists and stakeholders are now demanding transparency and accountability to prevent further loss of public property.
Auctioning of Serviceable Vehicles
The CEO and Board Chairman are accused of auctioning approximately 10 serviceable vehicles to cronies and associates, with suspicions that Mr Sambian acquired five of these vehicles through intermediaries. The vehicles include Toyota V8 Land Cruisers, Toyota Hilux pickups, and saloon cars.
Purchase and Sale of Tricycles
The tenure of Mr. Sambian is also marked by concerns over the procurement and distribution of tricycles. It is alleged that tricycles were purchased at inflated prices and sold at significantly reduced rates to associates of the CEO and Board Chairman.
Furthermore, questions have been raised about potential conflicts of interest, as the companies contracted to supply the tricycles are suspected of having ties to the accused officials. Notably, the whereabouts of about 600 tricycles delivered during the peak of the election season remain unknown.
Missing Toyota Hilux Pickup
A Toyota Hilux pickup with registration number GS 9442-21, procured for operational purposes, has allegedly been in the possession of the Board Chairman since October 2021. Calls have been made for its return and a probe into the circumstances surrounding its disappearance.
Disappearance of 24 Motorcycles
The statement further alleges that 24 brand-new motorcycles have vanished under the leadership of Mr Sambian and Dr Abdulai. It is claimed that these motorcycles were diverted to Mr Sambian’s constituency during his parliamentary primary campaign, which he ultimately lost.
Call for Accountability
The whistleblower urges the government and anti-corruption agencies to prioritize an investigation into these allegations, emphasizing the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions. “Citizens will continue to monitor how this unfolds,” the statement concludes.
The allegations have already sparked widespread concern, with civil society groups and concerned Ghanaians calling for immediate action to ensure transparency and justice.
The NDA, established to drive development in Northern Ghana, is urged to uphold its mandate and protect state resources from misuse.
More soon…
Story By: Robicon Mornahson
