NCA saga: Gov’t will retrieve the money and prosecute culprits – Hamid

Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid says investigations by BNI are underway to enable any possible prosecution of the individuals involved in the National Communication Authority (NCA) scandal.

Three former officials of the John Mahama administration, Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie, former Board Chairman; Alhaji Osman, former Deputy National Security Coordinator, allegedly withdrew $4 million from the accounts of the NCA and have failed to account for it.

The former officials contracted an Israeli company, NSO Group Technology Limited, to supply eavesdropping equipment at the cost of $6 million, to enable National Security monitor conversations of persons suspected to be engaged in terror activities.

A local agent, Infraloks Development Limited, was also charging $2 million to facilitate the transaction, bringing the total sum to $8 million.

But according to report, only $1 million was paid into the accounts of the Israeli company while the remaining $3 million was lodged into the accounts of one George Oppong, representing the local agents, Infraloks Development Limited. That money was allegedly shared among the officials.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, Mr. Mustapha Hamid that the four are likely to face prosecution in the coming days.

“My understanding from the BNI is that they haven’t completed the investigations. They have gone beyond their statements and admission and the paying back of the monies. There are other things that ought to be established. But for now the concentration is on retrieving the money. That cannot be the end of the case, but as I said investigators will determine at what point they believe that they have gathered all the facts that will enable them make a convincing case either before a Judge or whatever judicial panel that may be formed.”