Double Salary: Haruna, Fuseini fantastic, honest – Kweku Baako
Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako
Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper has expressed worry over allegations made against some NDC officials particularly Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu and Tamale Central MP, Inusah Fuseini and the ‘damage’ likely to be caused to their political careers if the allegations are indeed proven and confirmed.
Read full articleSpeaking on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ program, Mr. Baako who touted the enthusiasm and integrity of Mr. Iddrisu and Fuseini respectively, emphasized the gravity of the issue and was hopeful that the allegations emerged untrue.
“Haruna Iddrisu…a young man growing his political career, fantastic, I like him and I wish the best for him. Inusah Fuseini is someone who has integrity…I’ve dealt with him and he is a solid patriot. I have to be honest although they are in NDC…I pray this is not the true picture,“ he added.
“if it turns out that this is true, that they knowingly received double salaries, it is so damaging and it can cut short some very good political careers.
“Even if there is a suspension of criminal investigation and prosecution, your political career is gone,” the worried Baako added.
His comments follow revelations by Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu that some former appointees admitted taking double salaries which the police CID has described as stealing.
The Majority Leader said he had received reports suggesting the persons involved did this by presenting two different bank accounts for two political offices – MP and Minister – ostensibly to avoid detection.
The Majority Leader said the MP should have known "something funny is happening'.
He also claimed that per reports that have come to him, some ministers allegedly used different signatures for the different accounts for which reason they cannot say they were unaware of the double payments.
Mr. Baako touching on the development said if indeed double bank accounts were provided purposefully to get double salaries “then it has criminal implications. It comes with a huge integrity deficit, a big one for this country.”
He said that the Majority Leader’s revelation has triggered a whole new dimension to the matter, “and I am beginning to see why the CID is involved…how on earth can you receive a double salary – one as an MP and the other as a minister – and it will not strike you that something odd is happening?”
“But if it turns out to be true, then we are dealing with a different ball game. I am really disturbed,” Mr Baako said on the show.
Meanwhile, nine NDC MPs have reported to the Criminal Investigation Department. Three have been cautioned with a charge of stealing and are to reappear before the police CID on May 14.
They have vehemently denied the charges and accused the government of political witch-hunt.
