Politics
PMMC Cartel in Bizzare Gold bullion Export
Independent investigations have uncovered discrepancies in claims made by the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) following a recent incident at the National Assay Centre.
The statement, purportedly issued by a “Corporate Affairs” unit, appears to be misleading as PMMC lacks a designated Corporate Affairs or Public Affairs department.
This revelation casts doubts on the authenticity and source of the statement, raising concerns about internal communication protocols within PMMC.
The situation is further troubled by the disclosure that the audit department was unaware of the transfer of gold from the Diamond House to the Aviance Cargo Terminal.
This deviation from standard operating procedures, where the audit department is responsible for verifying the movement and stock of valuable items, is a cause for significant alarm.
Typically, the audit department plays a crucial role in ensuring the proper documentation, verification, and accountability for all movements of precious materials.
However, the lack of notification to the audit department of this substantial transfer not only undermines transparency in PMMC’s operations but also highlights broader governance and oversight issues within the organization.
The chaotic incident unfolded at the National Assay Centre situated at the Aviance Cargo Terminal in Accra when an adhoc taskforce led by Prince Vitus Seidu and the National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Joseph Yamin stormed the Aviance terminal of the Kotoka International cargo department to stop the transport of a 440kilogram of gold being exported to the UAE by unidentified owner through PMMC.
The Managing Director of PMMC, the official state Aseyer told The New Republic in an interview that although the Gold was being processed by the company on behalf of Bank of Ghana, PMMC did not know who the real owners of the gold bars are.
He argued that the company has exusted all of processes due for handling and export of the gold.
This event has raised serious concerns about the security and integrity of Ghana’s gold trade, prompting urgent inquiries into the transparency of operations at the National Assay Centre.
The disruption occurred on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, amid the processing of gold bars as part of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) launched in June 2021.
These bars were allegedly undergoing evaluation to confirm their weight, purity, and value, a standard procedure crucial for preserving Ghana’s gold market integrity.
However, operations were interrupted when upon a tip off that, the bars were being illicitly taken out of the country by certain political figures. PMMC vehemently refuted these claims, asserting their baselessness and detrimental impact.
In the midst of the turmoil police and military intervention were sort to control the vigilant crowd who stormed the airport to insist that the packages be impounded pending investigation.
Eventually, an agreement was reached to relocate the bullion bars to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command for safekeeping until a resolution could be reached the following day.
In its official statement, PMMC condemned the actions of the task-force as “deeply regrettable,” warning that such disruptions could severely impact Ghana’s reputation in the international bullion market.
A transparent account of the events occurring on December 17 is deemed essential to address the mounting concerns stemming from the incident.
Clear communication is needed to dispel existing scepticism surrounding PMMC’s operations and restore trust among stakeholders.
The aftermath of the chaos at the National Assay Centre underscores the critical need for enhancing governance measures within PMMC.
The absence of a Corporate Affairs unit and the oversight lapses in the audit department indicate systemic issues that could have lasting repercussions.
Addressing these governance gaps is crucial to improving crisis management, fostering transparent communication with stakeholders, and fortifying PMMC’s market reputation. Moving forward, a reevaluation of PMMC’s governance practices is imperative.
Politics
MOF’s GHC16.3M Approval Causes Stir
In a recent development at the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD), a controversial decision has come to light regarding the approval of nearly Ghc16.3 million in taxpayer funds by the Ministry of Finance.
The approval, granted on 12th December, 2024, has raised eyebrows due to its dubious nature and the lack of a direct request for such a payment by the CAGD.
The Chief Director of the Finance Ministry, Eva Esselba Mends, greenlit the allocation of the Ghc16.3 million purportedly for upgrading the public financial management system.
This allocation, however, was not in response to the CAGD’s initial request made on August 14, 2024, for Ghc30 million to address the deteriorating working conditions of its staff.
Despite the CAGD’s explicit request for funds to improve staff conditions, the Finance Ministry’s approval focused on allocating funds for a system upgrade.
The discrepancy between the requested amount and the approved sum has raised concerns about possible mismanagement and misuse of public funds.
The letter of approval from the Finance Ministry referenced the CAGD’s earlier request but diverted the funds towards the upgrade of the financial management system.
This decision has prompted speculation and criticism from various quarters regarding the transparency and accountability of the process.
Acting Controller and Accountant General, Kwasi Agyei, emphasized the urgent need for support to address the challenging working conditions faced by CAGD staff.
The mismatch between the requested amount and the approved sum has cast a shadow of doubt over the motives behind the allocation.
The controversial approval of Ghc16.3 million amidst the backdrop of a different funding request has sparked concerns among stakeholders and observers.
The need for clarity and accountability in the allocation and utilization of public funds remains a pressing issue in light of this recent development.
Politics
NPA Boss in Dubious Last Minute Mass Shake Up
The outgoing Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mustapha Abdul Hamid, has given approval for a series of mass recruitments within the Authority despite being on the verge of leaving his position.
On the 11th of December, 2024, Abdul Hamid circulated a confidential memo labeled “Transfers, Movements, Appointments, and Upgrades” to both Management and staff, detailing the controversial recruitments and redeployments.
“As a follow-up to the memorandum dated 20th November, 2024, outlining measures to enhance the Authority’s efficiency in addressing the needs of internal and external stakeholders, the following transfers, movements, appointments, and upgrades will come into effect on the specified dates,” stated the memo.
The confidential memo contained a list of 49 names earmarked for recruitment, transfers, and appointments.
These individuals are purportedly affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), raising concerns that Mustapha Hamid is filling the NPA with political allies.
Noteworthy is the trend of widespread recruitments occurring across various Ministries, departments, and agencies at the behest and coordination of outgoing officials from the Akufo-Addo administration.
Accompanying these actions are substantial payments being processed by the government, indicating what seems to be a final phase of plunder and subversion following the NPP’s defeat in the December 7, 2024, elections.
The incoming Mahama administration has pledged to reverse these appointments and financial transactions.
A statement released by the transition team and signed by spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu made it clear that the eleventh-hour appointments will be invalidated.
“To be clear, all public officials are strongly advised to resist any attempts by outgoing political figures to participate in these activities as there may be serious repercussions once the new government assumes office,” read part of the statement.
However, it has come to light that the last-minute appointments are being retroactively dated in a bid to circumvent the incoming administration set to assume power on January 7, 2025
Politics
Cyber Capo’s Torture ‘Chamber’ Uncovered
The Shocking Story of Kidnapping and Human Rights Abuse
The New Republic Newspaper has discovered a secretive dungeon hidden within the Osu suburb of Accra has been unearthed. Operatives of the clandestine National Signal Bureau are the masterminds behind this covert facility, utilising it to unlawfully detain their victims.
The Bureau, helmed by Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahen, stands accused of orchestrating a labyrinthine web of illegal activities, including the abduction of unsuspecting individuals under the cloak of darkness.
Adu-Boahene, recently embroiled in the suspected kidnapping of Sylvia, a manager at Emirates Airlines in Ghana, is described as a ruthless figure known to act with impunity.
Under the veil of secrecy, the Bureau’s rogue cabal, answerable solely to Director-General Adu Boahene himself, has brazenly flouted legal protocols by conducting unauthorized arrests and detentions.
Effort made by TNR to ascertain official position of the Signal Bureau on the shocking revelation has proven futile.
Journalists, political dissidents, and those deemed as adversaries to the Akufo-Addo government have reportedly fallen victim to the Bureau’s shadowy operations.
Within the confines of this clandestine dungeon, shuttered away from public scrutiny, detainees face unspeakable conditions at the hands of a formidable trio of rogue operatives.
Beset by state-of-the-art surveillance equipment procured from abroad, this cabal led by Ben Ansah, a notorious figure within the Bureau, operates with an air of superiority and divine authority.
The menacing presence of Henry Osei Tutu and Simon Kansonk further solidifies this rogue faction as a fearsome force within the Bureau.
The Bureau’s actions stand in stark contrast to its official mandate, which expressly prohibits the arrest and detention of individuals.
The brazen abuse of power by these rogue elements, operating stealthily within the National Signal Bureau, paints a troubling picture of unchecked authority and flagrant disregard for due process.
Allegations of past abuses by rogue National Security personnel underscore a pattern of misconduct and abuse which has fueled concerns over the wanton misuse of power within the security apparatus.
Security analysts have linked these troubling events to a renegade faction spearheaded by Henry Osei-Tutu and Benjamin Ansah, both key figures implicated in various illicit schemes, including abductions and staged robberies.
In the shadows of this covert operation lay disturbing accounts of prominent figures falling prey to these unlawful practices.
The unlawful detention of social media personality Albert Nat Hyde, known as Bongo Ideas, and the harrowing ordeal faced by Sylvia Patience Baah, the Emirates Manager, paint a grim portrait of state-sponsored intimidation and coercion.
As the sordid details of these illicit activities come to light, questions loom over the complicity of higher authorities within the National Security apparatus.
The spectre of abuse of power and the erosion of civil liberties cast a long shadow over the operations of the National Signal Bureau, shrouded in secrecy and intrigue.
-
Politics7 days ago
Fake National Security Polls – Bawumia walks out DG of NIB
-
Politics3 days ago
Cyber Capo’s Torture ‘Chamber’ Uncovered
-
Trending6 days ago
Shareholder Shocks SIC’s Diabolic AGM with Injunction
-
Trending7 days ago
Afenyo-Markin Faces Heat … as Lecturers Petition Mahama for Investigation
-
Business3 months ago
Corruption, Mismanagement, and Economic Despair: Why Apologies and Half-Hearted Reforms Fall Short
-
Podcasts2 months ago
Vice President Bawumia’s AI Chatbox Campaign Draws Ridicule
-
Politics2 months ago
NDC MPs Pledge Firm Defense of New Majority Status – Disclose Gov’t Plans to repeat January 7 Parliament Raid
-
Politics3 months ago
Unfit For Purpose – Forensic audit Demanded, after EC caught in Voters Register rigging