Prosecute former Upper East Regional Minister

Bolgatanga, Aug. 16, GNA - The Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy (NORPRA), a civil society organization advocating for the marginalized in society in the Upper East Region has called on government to prosecute the former Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Boniface Gambila for allegedly possessing 5,240 note one Government of Ghana HIPC Exercise books, nine dozens Ghana @50 T. Shirts and 15 pieces of Ghana @50 cups in his house after leaving office.

At a Press Conference on Friday, the President of NORPRA, Mr. Bismark Ayorogo Adongo stated that the former Regional Minister's action was unconstitutional and he deserved to be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to other public officials.

He asked the President to as a matter of urgency demonstrate his commitment to the principle of transparency, probity and accountability by immediately prosecuting the former Upper East Regional Minister. "Mr. Gambila and other public officials who showed no sense of patriotism and sensitivity to the plight of the poor in the region, and took public properties away whilst in office must be punished," he stressed.

He noted that Mr. Gambila's action had deepened the deprivation, social inequalities and inequities which were the bane of development of society, emphasizing that this undoubtedly constituted the highest form of corrupt practices and should not be spared by a government. The President of NORPRA indicated that the prosecution of Mr. Gambila would not only deter public office holders from looting the country while in office but would also promote good governance and accountability as well as increase public and investors' confidence in the governance of the country and management of the economy. The President of NORPRA commended the security agencies in the Region for conducting a search into the former Regional Minister's House to retrieve the Items.