Political Future Of Haruna, Fuseini, Others In Danger If...

Editor-in-chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper says allegations of double salary payments to some former government appointees, could cost them their political careers if found to be true.

Kweku Baako said the allegations are worrying and insisted the persons involved will suffer huge integrity deficit if investigations establish that they knowingly received double payments.

Speaking on Peace FM’s morning show, ‘Kokrokoo’, Wednesday, the veteran journalist hoped the allegations are false because “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.

The Majority Leader who is also MP for Suame said the implicated legislators cannot, in view of this, say they were unaware of the double payments.

Kweku Baako agrees. He said if the MPs consciously provided these double bank accounts purposefully for the payment of 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.”

He added “how on earth can you receivea 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.

Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu
The veteran journalist said the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu and Tamale Central MP Inusah Fuseini who have been fingered in the shocking development are great friends and he is devastated at the thought of their involvement in this scandal.

“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.

Tamale Central MP, Inusah Fuseini has denied the allegations

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.

Inusah Fuseini described the accusations as an "occupational hazard" and a "calculated attempt to dampen our spirits"

"I have not stolen and I will not steal from the government. I deny the charge with all the strength in me".