Sports Minister knew about ‘fishy’ NYA deal – Sacked Deputy CEO alleges

Bright Acheampong, a former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority has suggested that Isaac Asiamah, Sports Minister, knew details about the scandal-rocked contract that is alleged to have been awarded without procurement review, ABC News can report.

The sacked Deputy CEO of NYA hinted that the Sports Minister pretended not to be aware of the progress of the contract when he appeared before an audit committee setup to review the contract.

He alleged that Isaac Asiamah presented false information to the audit committee to exonerate himself.

Bright Acheampong in a press release to explain what transpired noted that “At the time that the Hon Minister appeared at the Audit hearing of the Ministry, the Hon, Minister, Isaac Kwame Asiamah (MP), knew that the first batch of the training has been done, meanwhile he reported that the Ministry through the NYA, was about to train Youth to help in the maintenance of our Street light across the country.”

Bright Acheampong, who was deputy CEO in charge of Programs and Operations, is one of three top executives of the Authority – the CEO, Emmanuel Sin-Nyet Asigri and Richard Obeng, deputy CEO in charge of Finance and Administration, dismissed this week by the Sports Minister.

He maintained his innocence but respected the decision of the President to disappoint him in order to protect the interest and image of the government and the party.

“To safeguard the Party and Government from impending danger, I did not only act by informing the Sector Minister but also serve as a Whistle Blower, who per the law needs to be protected at all times,” he asserted.

“In fact and indeed, this is not the first time that I and my colleague deputy, blew the whistle in a decision that the then CEO, NYA, Emmanuel Asigri has unilaterally executed which frowns of basic PFM Act and that of Procurement Act,” he said in a statement.

Below is the press release issued by the former Deputy CEO of NYA.

They were relieved of their duties following their alleged involvement in some questionable procurement practices at the Authority.

A 24-Hour Reflection On The Termination Of My Appointment As NYA Deputy CEO.

A 24-hour reflection on the termination of my appointment on a letter signed by the Hon. Minister for Youth & Sports is enough time for me to reflect, rebuild, especially so that, I was not given a hearing on the matter.

To safeguard the Party and Government from an impending danger, I did not only act by informing the Sector Minister but also serve as a Whistle Blower, who per the law needs to be protected at all times.

In fact and indeed, this is not the first time that I and my colleague deputy, blew the whistle in a decision that the then CEO, NYA, Emmanuel Asigri has unilaterally executed which frowns of basic PFM Act and that of Procurement Act.

It should be noted that as a Deputy in charge of Programs and Operations, I got to read a copy of the MOU between NYA & Prefos a week to the first batch of the training Program, and in most of the meetings I raised issues with it.

I have questioned why we were in a rush especially so that, we ( NYA) have not to signed an agreement with the Local Government Ministry for a Trainee’s to be absorbed by them after the training Program.

At the time that the Hon Minister appeared at the Audit hearing of the Ministry, the Hon, Minister, Isaac Kwame Asiamah (MP), knew that the first batch of the training has been done, meanwhile he reported that, the Ministry through the NYA, was about to train Youth to help in the maintenance of our Street light across the country.

The underlisted aberration came to light in more than 3 meetings related to the NYA Prefos matter, which was chaired by the sector Minister;

1. The Board did not approve before payment and first batch of training was done.

2. I advised that we hold on and deal with all the other arrangements leading to a Mega launch of the Program

3. Payment Vouchers were not approved by the designated officer ( DCEO, NYA, F & A, then) 4. The cost per training was on the high side

5. Entity has not sat on it for onward referral to Central Tender based on the figures involved.

6. The Procurement Director ill-advised.

With the above I wish to state unequivocally that, as far as Payment, Approval and figures were concern, I sent my strongest disapproval to the Program except the idea in all meetings that was held.

I wish finally to thank the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the Honour done me, for the past 2 and a half years.