The leader and founder of Group Ndoum and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) Paa Kwesi Nduom has expressed profound concern regarding the handling of national assets and the impact of mismanagement on the country’s economy.

Ndoum highlighted a pattern of negligence, waste, and corruption that he believes has significantly contributed to Ghana’s current economic woes. Nduom’s remarks are particularly critical of how government and institutional properties have been treated. Ndoum pointed out the lack of accountability in managing vehicles, equipment, and real estate.

“If I’m asking, where are all the vehicles? What have they done with them?”
Paa Kwesi Nduom the leader and founder of Group Ndoum and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP)

Ndoum’s concern underscored the disappearance or misallocation of assets that were initially intended for public service.

According to Nduom, “Those places that we rented, that they have taken the things from, where are those things?” These inquiries suggested that assets that were supposed to be utilized for governmental or institutional purposes have been diverted or lost, with little to no trace of them.

One of the critical points raised by Nduom is the obsolescence of technology and vehicles that have been left unused for extended periods.

“If you have a computer, 5 years it’s obsolete. But where are they? If a car sits for 5 years not moving, what happens to it?”
Paa Kwesi Nduom the leader and founder of Group Ndoum and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP)

Ndoum emphasized that assets left idle for long durations naturally deteriorate or become irrelevant, further exacerbating wastage.

Resources management within State Institutions

This raises concerns about resource management within institutions, especially those that require technological updates and operational vehicles.

Beyond the issue of asset mismanagement, Nduom pointed out instances of property misuse and unlawful subletting. He is particularly concerned about rented properties that were originally under government control but have since been leased out without proper authorization.

“…some people have also gone into those buildings to rent them to other people… who gave them the authority to rent those properties?”
Paa Kwesi Nduom the leader and founder of Group Ndoum and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP)

This indicates a worrying trend of individuals taking advantage of government properties for personal gain, without any official sanction or accountability.

In addition, Nduom mentions the unauthorized use of land and properties meant for public or institutional development. Ndoum cited an example involving land in Twifopraso, which was intended for a specific project but has been taken over by a private individual.

“Who asked someone if they can use our space as a school? The land we bought to build in Twifopraso, now GNAT has put up a building there. Who gave that land to GNAT?”
Paa Kwesi Nduom the leader and founder of Group Ndoum and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP)

This situation highlights a broader issue of land misappropriation, where properties meant for collective benefit are being used for private ventures. Nduom also touched on the issue of auctioning off assets discreetly, further suggesting that corruption is rampant in the management of public resources.

“They have auctioned some of the things. We know, some of the things, they’ve auctioned them, sold them quietly.”
Paa Kwesi Nduom the leader and founder of Group Ndoum and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP)

This statement reflects the clandestine nature in which some public assets are being disposed of, often to the benefit of a select few. The lack of transparency in these transactions is a significant concern, as it deprives the public of resources that could have been better utilized for national development.

Moreover, Nduom expressed his frustration with individuals who have claimed ownership of certain properties through unofficial means.

“… we also know those people who had sort of gone to some of the buildings and sort of put their names on [them saying] this one is for me, that one is for me, this one for you.”
Paa Kwesi Nduom the leader and founder of Group Ndoum and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP)

The illustration shows the extent to which public assets are being appropriated by individuals without proper legal procedures, contributing to the erosion of trust in the system. Nduom did not shy away from addressing the broader impact of these issues on the national economy. He strongly believes that mismanagement at various levels has played a significant role in the country’s economic decline.

“In this country, some people are wicked. We are taking action and those who think that they can just walk away, if it’s not me, if it’s not my children, my grandchildren will be there.”
Paa Kwesi Nduom the leader and founder of Group Ndoum and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP)

This statement reflects his determination to hold those responsible accountable and to ensure that future generations do not suffer the consequences of today’s mismanagement.

Nduom also drew attention to the internal dynamics within the ruling party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), stating that even they are aware of the damage that has been done.

“The NPP as a party they know it. They know what has been done and they know which people they are blaming for it.”
Paa Kwesi Nduom the leader and founder of Group Ndoum and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP)

Ndoum suggested that there is internal recognition of the issues, even if public acknowledgment has been limited. As a businessman and former presidential candidate, Nduom sees a potential solution in the restoration of financial institutions that were unjustly closed. Ndoum referenced former President John Mahama’s proposal to reinstate deserving institutions.

“I believe that that’s one of the reasons given by former President Mahama, that those financial institutions that are dissolving, he would want to bring those back.”
Paa Kwesi Nduom the leader and founder of Group Ndoum and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP)

According to Nduom, these institutions are vital to the economy, and their reinstatement would help stabilize the financial sector and, by extension, the national economy. Nduom reflects on the difficulties of engaging with the current administration, particularly when it comes to addressing these critical issues.

“Now when you even ask ….to come and discuss this topic, that topic, you even write a letter, you send messages, many of them don’t even want to meet.”
Paa Kwesi Nduom the leader and founder of Group Ndoum and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP)

This statement reflects the challenges faced by those who seek to advocate for change, even when that change is essential for national development.

Nduom sought to provide a critical lens through which to view the current state of Ghana’s economy and governance. Ndoum’s concerns about asset mismanagement, corruption, and economic decline are a call to action for greater accountability and transparency in public resource management.