By King Amoah.
A year after filing a complaint with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Very Rev. Anthony Kwarteng, founder and leader of the Christ Power Miracle Mission Church, is renewing his call for an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of Ghana Education Service (GES) funds by the former Oti Regional Director of Education, Nana Kugbeadzo-Bakatey II..
Rev. Kwarteng claims that in 2024, Nana Kugbeadzo-Bakatey II, who has since been transferred to the Techiman Education Directorate, fraudulently transferred GH₵34,000.00 into the accounts of Kadjebi-Asato Senior High under her in the Oti Region. He alleges that these funds were allocated for the GES’s Gallop program.
According to Rev. Kwarteng, the then Headmaster of the school, a Roman Father upon discovering the unusual deposit, confronted Nana Kugbeadzo-Bakatey II. The clergyman further claims that Kugbeadzo-Bakatey II, in an attempt to cover her tracks, pressured the Headmaster to withdraw the funds from his account.
That was not all, at the Nchumuruman Senior High School within the region, the former Oti Regional Director of Education, Nana Kugbeadzor- Batakayi II was further alleged to have fraudulently deposited a significant amount of Ghc 145,400, a Gallop funds into the school’s account to the contrary to the GED regulations as per the documents on hands.
“As a man of God, I felt compelled to investigate the matter,” Rev. Kwarteng stated, “and I found the allegations to be true. To ensure justice was served, I officially reported the case to the Office of the Special Prosecutor.”
Despite his complaint to the OSP last year, Rev. Kwarteng says no substantial action has been taken by the OSP boss, Mr Kissi Agyeben. He voiced concerns that Nana Kugbeadzo-Bakatey II might have used her influence during the previous Npp’s administration, led by former President Akuffo-Addo, to evade scrutiny. He shared that the OSP responded to his letter with a formal acknowledgement, but did not initiate an investigation.
Now, with the new “Operation Retrieve All Loot (ORAL)” initiative underway, Rev. Kwarteng is appealing for a fresh probe into the matter. He believes Nana Kugbeadzo-Bakatey II should be investigated and, if found guilty, be compelled to return the allegedly misappropriated GH₵34,000.00.
“I have all the necessary documents to substantiate my claims, and I am fully prepared to cooperate with any investigation,” Rev. Kwarteng assured. He has expressed willingness to provide further witness testimony if necessary, including the name of the Headmaster involved, who is currently withheld for his protection.
The case raises significant questions about transparency and accountability within the GES and highlights the challenges faced by whistleblowers in pursuing justice. It also puts pressure on the Office of the Special Prosecutor to address long-standing complaints and uphold the rule of law, particularly within the education sector, which is vital to the future of Ghana.
When the correspondent belled Very Rev Anthony Kwarteng handy phone number 0554459550 for his reaction, he confirmed the allegations, insisting that it was due to his surprise hence he wrote to the Office of the Special Prosecutor to probe the issue.
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