Former NDC government official jailed for causing financial loss to the state
- Former boss of GYEEDA has been jailed to 6 years by an Accra High Court
- Abuga Pele and Philip Akpeena Assibit were jailed 6 and 12 years respectively for causing financial loss to the state
- The court ruling happened just when Martin Amidu was being sworn in as special prosecutor
An Accra High Court has sentenced a former top government official and a private service provider to 6 and 12 years in jail for causing financial loss to the state.
In all, 13 out of 19 counts against the former GYEDA boss Abuga Pele, shows that the government official broke serious procurement laws serious procurement laws
His counterpart Philip Akpeena Assibit who was CEO of Goodwill International Ghana (GIG) was found guilty of six of the 19 counts he faced including defrauding by false pretense.
READ ALSO: GES to investigate cases of sexual abuse at Ejisuman SHS
It all happened when the service provider and businessman, Philip Akpeena Assibit, got accused of putting in a false claim for payments to the tune of 3.3million cedis as services provided the then National Youth Employment Program (NYEP).
Meanwhile, lawyer of Philip Assibit, Kwaku Paintsil had made the case for the jail sentence to be reduced to six months and that his client is a chief and an entrepreneur who has an "unnumbered children"
Also, the lawyer for Abuga Pege, Abu Juan also made a case for his client to be jailed for at least 6 months since he was a member of parliament during his sentence.
This landmark jail sentence interestingly coincides with the swearing in of the special prosecutor, Martin Amidu, by the president of the republic, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo.
READ ALSO: Prophet who 'saw' Ebony's death says another popular musician will die before March ends
Martin Amidu, in his inaugural speech, revealed that he is very committed to ending the system of corruption in the country. Earlier, Martin Amidu laid claim of how some former state officials are booking flights out of the country just so they escape jail sentences. According to him, all moves are being put in place to ensure that all corrupt persons are brought to book.
Star Gist on YEN brings you an exclusive interview with upcoming music star, S3fa:
YEN is building a platform where Ghanaians can share local news and own experiences with each other. Witnessing an incident? Want to tell about a local problem? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Send us a message via Instagram or on YEN’s official Facebook page.
Source: YEN.com.gh
