The Deputy National Communications Officer for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has levelled serious accusations against the Executive Secretary of the National Cathedral Board, Dr Yaw Opoku-Mensah, alleging that he continues to receive a substantial monthly salary despite the suspension of the National Cathedral project.
In a shocking revelation, Malik Basintale presented what he claims are bank statements and payslips to substantiate his claims, accusing Dr. Opoku-Mensah and other officials involved in the project of siphoning state funds.
“The national cathedral project was suspended in 2022. In that same month, the board of trustees, those who were left, including their boss, and their General Overseer, Dr Yaw Opoku-Mensah said they were working free of charge for the people of this country and that they were not taking allowances, they were not taking salaries. You see, it was a bare-faced lie and today I brought documents to prove it”.
Malik Basintale, NDC Deputy National Communications Officer
To back up his allegations, Malik Basintale disclosed what he claimed to be Dr. Opoku-Mensah’s bank statement, identifying his Absa Bank account registered at the Tamale branch.
According to the NDC Deputy National Communications officer, Dr. Opoku-Mensah has been receiving a monthly salary of GHS 21,134 from the government through the Controller and Accountant General’s Department, despite the halted construction.
“This is his payslip,” Malik Basintale stated emphatically, presenting documents he claimed to have obtained after extensive investigation.
“Every month, the government pays him GHS 21,134 for work done as the Executive Secretary of the National Cathedral”, he further claimed.
He accused Dr. Opoku-Mensah of drawing a salary for work that, according to Malik Basintale, is non-existent.
“The owner of the hole, the general overseer of the cathedral, is being paid this salary while the project remains a hole. The National Cathedral is still a hole. It was a swimming pool two days ago, and people were swimming there. Yet, he claims to be the Executive Secretary, collecting money for no job done”.
Malik Basintale, NDC Deputy National Communications Officer
Malik Basintale’s allegations took a fiery turn as he called out the government and law enforcement for their inaction regarding the situation.
“The police have decided not to arrest this man. They have decided not to arrest this corrupt individual who is siphoning money from the state. Yet, they go after a pregnant woman, a man who just closed from church or even an eight-year-old child.”
Malik Basintale, NDC Deputy National Communications Officer
The Deputy NDC National Communications Officer drew sharp contrasts between the treatment of ordinary citizens and the perceived impunity enjoyed by individuals like Dr. Opoku-Mensah, whom he believes should be prosecuted for corruption.
“You go after a man who just closed from church. A minor of 8 years has been arrested. That’s the stance now. Felicity Nelson we are struggling to even know her whereabouts.
“You spoke to the lawyer this morning and the lawyer was telling you that they still don’t know the whereabouts of about 7 people. You can’t even identify them and the Attorney General and Nana Akufo-Addo think that it is funny”.
Malik Basintale, NDC Deputy National Communications Officer
He further revealed his intentions to pursue legal action through official channels, asserting that he will go straight to the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, and demand for a thorough investigation of the damning revelations.
He also hinted that more revelations concerning other officials benefiting from the National Cathedral project would be forthcoming.
“There are still about four others who are being paid for no job done under the National Cathedral, and in the coming days, we’ll bring all those documents.”
Malik Basintale, NDC Deputy National Communications Officer
Malik Basintale thrown down the gauntlet, calling for immediate action and setting the stage for a confrontation that could further deepen the political tensions surrounding the National Cathedral and its administration.
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