Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has vehemently refuted claims that investigations into former appointees of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government constitute political persecution, asserting that the government and law enforcement agencies possess the authority to demand explanations regarding resource management. Speaking at a town hall meeting in the Odododiodio constituency in Accra on Tuesday, August 18th, Mr. Gbande stated that former public officials receiving state funds for projects, contracts, or goods must be prepared to provide a full accounting for those resources. He pointed to instances where government payments had allegedly been made for goods or services that were not subsequently delivered, insisting that such cases necessitate investigation.
Mr. Gbande asserted that being invited by the police or other state agencies to answer questions does not automatically equate to persecution, arguing that accountability is paramount whenever concerns emerge regarding public expenditure. He emphasized that the government’s objective is to establish the fate of state funds entrusted to former officials, regardless of the circumstances. The comments come against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the government and the NPP, particularly following the NPP’s ‘Democracy Under Attack’ demonstration on August 6th, 2026. The NPP has accused the government of selectively targeting its members and abusing state institutions, a claim they attribute to a broader trend of political maneuvering.
The investigation into former NPP officials, including former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), Dennis Miracles Aboagye, who was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in July over alleged financial and procurement irregularities, underscores the heightened scrutiny. The EOCO investigation is focused on alleged financial and procurement irregularities, according to official reports. The government has stated that it will continue to pursue these matters to determine the whereabouts of state funds and the actions of former officials. The investigation, which began in July, is expected to continue, and the full scope of the allegations remains unclear. The legal ramifications of these allegations are currently under review by relevant authorities. The government maintains its stance, asserting that the inquiries are a necessary step to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, and that the allegations are a politically motivated attempt to undermine the government’s authority. Further details regarding the investigations and the potential consequences are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Experts suggest the situation could escalate further if the government continues to prioritize targeted investigations over a broader assessment of potential wrongdoing, potentially impacting public trust and the integrity of the administration.
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Source: Adom Online
