Joy News has learned that three senior officials of the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC) were detained last week by the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) as part of investigations into alleged misappropriation of funds there.
Executive Secretary Samuel Sarpong and Director of Public Affairs Nana Yaa Jantuah and an Accounts Manager were held last Friday but granted bail on Saturday, Joy News’ investigative journalist Kwetey Nartey reported.
The three also had their passports seized by the BNI. They are at the centre of a number of alleged financial malpractices cited by the Auditor General in its 2013 report.
Mr Sarpong was quizzed about the transfer of GH¢435,087, into his personal accounts and how those monies were expended.
Nana Yaa Jantuah was also interrogated on the ?120,000 she was reported to have spent on 350 hampers for Christmas.
Joy News’ Kwetey Nartey who first broke the news about the financial malfeasance said at least 20 staff of the Commission have so far been interrogated by the BNI.
Another staff who wanted to remain anonymous claimed the BNI questioned him about financial infractions and possible victimisation.
“I told the BNI I believed I was being victimized because prior to my being removed from office, I had raised certain issues concerning governance and financial issues which didn’t go well with the management at the time,” the worker said.
Red bands still hang at the premises of the PURC with workers still demanding the removal of Mr Samuel Sarpong.
A regional manager and a Finance Officer are also said to be meeting with the BNI, answering questions about alleged victimization at the Commission.
On February 21, 2017, Joy News intercepted documents revealing several questionable and jaw-dropping financial practices at the Commission. Apart from the payment of public funds into private accounts it also emerged that the Commission paid various sums of money to some Muslim MPs for Ramadan.
Both Mr Sarpong and Nana Yaa Jantuah have vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
While admitting that public funds were paid into his personal account, Mr. Sarpong was quick to explain that every penny was accounted for.
The BNI is expected to make a determination on whether any wrongs were committed.
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