I didn’t approve ₵1.8m contract – Dismissed deputy NYA boss speaks

Dismissed deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Richard Ebbah Obeng, says he has no hand in the ₵1.8million streetlight installation contract controversially awarded to a private company, Prefos.

“All records available at NYA ie Management minutes and internal payment documents clearly show that I and a few good people have indeed held and taken the strongest possible opposition to the NYA-Prefos Streetlight Training engagements,” Mr. Obeng posted on Facebook.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Monday terminated the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Emmanuel Sin-nyet Asigri.

The appointment of his two deputies, Bright Acheampong and Richard Ebbah Obeng has also been terminated.

A letter signed by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah, directed the three to hand over their office to the Director of Technical Projects of the Authority, Emmanuel Anaman-Mensah.

Although no reason has been given for the sacking of the three appointees, JoyNews has learnt that it may be linked to their alleged involvement in some questionable procurement practices at the Authority.

One of such is the ward of a contract valued at ₵1.8million, to Prefos company to provide training on street lighting.

However, Mr. Richard Obeng, who until Monday’s announcement, was in charge of Finance and Administration, said he did his best to ensure the contract was stopped.

“I actually stopped the payment voucher covering that transaction and locked it up. It is still in my possession. As to why and how that cheque was written in spite of the Payment Voucher blockade, I leave it to the team of investigators and possibly prosecutors,” he wrote.

He also expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve in his government.

Read the post below:

I wish to thank President Akufo-Addo for giving me the opportunity to serve the youth of our country. For the sake of the record, I wish to state that I have no hand in the recently reported procurement violations at NYA.

All records available at NYA ie Management minutes and internal payment documents clearly show that I and a few good people have indeed held and taken the strongest possible opposition to the NYA-Prefos Streetlight Training engagements.

As the Schedule Officer responsible for approving payment vouchers, I REFUSED to ever approve any payments intended to that company( Prefos). I did not approve the over one million and eight hundred thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC 1.8 million). I actually stopped the payment voucher covering that transaction and locked it up. It is still in my possession. As to why and how that Cheque was written in spite of the Payment Voucher blockade, I leave it to the team of investigators and possibly prosecutors.

I did advise my Director of Procurement to consider opening bid for that transaction if they wanted me to be party to approving payment. Together with my colleague Deputy in charge of Operations, I proceeded to the Chief Executive Officer in his office and gave my professional advice which essentially cautioned him not to proceed.

And since that didn’t happen, I duly advised myself never to approve any cash transaction to that Company. As a young entrepreneur turned public servant, who was offered a rare opportunity to serve, it is imperative to put out this information as I graciously accept the decision to have my appointment terminated. I am happy that I discharged my duties with the highest level of patriotism and integrity and didn’t bother even if it meant becoming a victim of collective action such as this.

I wish to once again, thank his excellency the President, Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo for the opportunity to serve in his government. I pray that investigation is speedily carried out to serve justice to all who stood for the right things and punish those who in a blatant way dented the image of this government with this matter.

SIGNED
Richard Joojo Obeng