Youth demand financial audit of Wenchi assembly

The youth of Wenchi have demanded immediate financial audit of the Wenchi Municipal Assembly and the dismissal of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), accusing him of acts of financial malfeasance.

They threatened to hit the streets should the government refuse to investigate the alleged financial improprieties and sack Alhaji Hakibu Dauda.

The youth, under the umbrella of the Wench Youth for Development Association, at a news conference, gave a deadline of one month.

Made up of traders, assembly members, artisans and students in tertiary institutions, they claimed corruption had become deep-rooted in the assembly – particularly in the area of contract awards.

Mr. Evans Osei Gyasi, who acted as the Spokesperson, said the municipality was lagging behind in development because of the corrupt practices of officials of the assembly.

He spoke of instances where huge amounts of money had been paid for no services rendered.

He made reference to the payment of GHȼ60,759.21 to two companies for organizing capacity building workshops to assembly and unit committee members but he said their checks showed that no such workshops were organized.

Again, he alleged that the assembly had paid more than 75 per cent of contract sum for a market shed project, which was just at the foundation level.

Mr. Gyasi complained of inflated cost of projects and cited a police post built at Tromeso at a cost of GHȼ84,017.41, far above the actual cost of GHȼ48,450.26.

There is also a six-seater water closet and sanitary facility at the Wenchi new market, the initial budget was GHȼ65,487.00, but dramatically shot up to GHȼ100,286.40.

When contacted, Alhaji Dauda declined to comment except to say that assembly’s management would soon hold a press conference to address the allegations.

Source: GNA