THERE IS OUTCRY in Salaga over the use of ?16 million belonging to the Gonja East District Assembly by the District Chief Executive (DCE) Mr. Bismark haruna Dari, for a trip to America recently.
Indigenes of the town claim the trip was at the invitation of Gonja Association in North America (GANA) and, therefore, the assembly should not be taxed for it.
“What has the DCE’s travel got to do with the assembly’s fund? They queried.
The aggrieved persons contended that the scanty assembly funds are meant for development and not for the comfort and pleasure of officials and asked that the money be refunded.
The objection followed increasing cases of corruption at the assembly in spite of the government’s zero tolerance for corruption.
Answering Chronicle enquiries, the District Coordinating Director (DCD), Mr. Gilbert Nuriteg, said the ?16 million was approved by the executive committee of the assembly for the purchase of air ticket.
According to the DCD, the trip was necessary because the DCE was to sell the district to aspiring investors.
“Clearly the trip was in the best interest of the district,” Nuriteg defended.
Mr. Safianu, the District Finance Officer, said even though he was made to sign the cheque for the withdrawal of the money, he was not part of the said executive committee which endorsed the withdrawal of the money for the DCE’s trip to America.
DCE Dari was not available to comment on the issue.
Source: GhanaWeb
