Western Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ignatius Kwasi Afrifa
By Yaaba Yamikeh, Takoradi
The newly elected Western Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ignatius Kwasi Afrifa, has warned that the reported GH¢22 billion loss linked to the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme is sinking Ghana’s economy and cannot be swept under the carpet.
In an interview with the Daily Statesman, Mr Afrifa described the reported US$1.7 billion loss identified by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a serious national scandal, saying the magnitude of the loss demands an independent investigation to establish what happened to the funds and hold any persons found culpable accountable.
He said the issue was too significant to be treated lightly, particularly at a time when the country was grappling with economic challenges and needed resources for development.
He particularly criticised sections of the media, alleging that journalists who were vocal in demanding accountability during the previous NPP administration had now become less critical of the government.
Independent investigation
Mr Afrifa maintained that the reported US$1.7 billion loss, equivalent to about GH¢22 billion, as attributed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in relation to the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, was too significant to be ignored.
He therefore called for an independent probe to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported loss, determine responsibility and, where wrongdoing is established, ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Mr Afrifa further alleged that the money was not necessarily missing but could have been retained for political purposes ahead of the 2028 general election.
He, however, provided no evidence to substantiate the allegation.
He also cited what he described as the “needless propaganda, attacks and insults” directed at the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and other NPP Members of Parliament by members of the governing NDC as an indication that the government might be attempting to divert public attention from the matter.
“This is why an independent probe is necessary to unravel the hidden truth and retrieve the GH¢22 billion for the execution of development projects to enhance the standard of living of ordinary Ghanaians,” he said.
Mr Afrifa said no amount of political propaganda, insults, intimidation or name-calling would deter the NPP from demanding answers on the reported loss.
He said the NPP, as the largest opposition party in the country, was prepared to intensify its efforts to protect the national purse and ensure that taxpayers’ money was properly accounted for.
About The Author
