Double Salaries Saga: 7 Mahama Appointees Still Stand Accused

Indications are that seven former National Democratic Congress government officials alleged to have received double salaries as Members of Parliament or Ministers of State may still face the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over the claims.

Some members of the minority in Parliament who served as Ministers under the Mahama administration, have revealed that 25 of them received letters from the CID inviting them to assist with investigations into the alleged receipt of double salaries.

There was the suggestion that some of them were paid two salaries when in public service, although an official who occupies both positions is entitled to a single salary, usually equal to the level of a Minister of State.

At a press conference on Tuesday, the minority however noted that the CID has subsequently revised its claims, admitting that 18 of the former officials were wrongly accused.

The MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzetu Ablakwa, who spoke on Eyewitness News said he received a call and an apology from the CID.

But he cannot tell what will happen to the remaining seven former officials who are yet to be cleared. He also declined to name the former ministers involved.

“At this point, it is not clear what is going to happen to them… we do not know if they [CID] will go ahead and invite them or they will be let off the hook,” Mr. Ablakwa said.

The former Deputy Education Minister is also of the view that this whole episode is a witch hunt by the Akufo-Addo government.

“It is very worrying that the Criminal Investigation Department will send out these letters inviting 25 MPs and former ministers. A number as high as 18 sent in error. What is compelling the CID? What is making them rush that they can be through and can’t be diligent?”

“It is all of these needless political manoeuvring and underhand tactics which discredit our intuitions and it is really a shame that government will be dabbling in these things in an attempt to cower and intimidate us,” Mr. Ablakwa said.

Source: Citinewsroom