Investigate N/R Minister; NPP youth in Tamale demand

Northern Regional Minister, Stephen Sumani Nayina Youth of the opposition New Patriotic Party in Tamale, want the Mills government to investigate allegations that the Northern Regional Minister sold four pick-ups belonging to the RCC to himself. The group is also asking that Mr Stephen Sumani Nayina be probed over claims that he dabbled in the sale of contracts in contravention of laws which dictate that such contracts be awarded through a competitive bidding process. The Northern Regional Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress, Alhaji Sumani Zakari last week levelled the allegations against Mr Nayina in a feud that saw the two throwing mud at each other. The regional Minister denied the allegations, accusing the Chairman of grabbing six out of sixteen road contracts awarded in the region. But a statement signed by the NPP youth spokesperson Salifu Sule, and issued in Tamale, says the allegations needed to be investigated particularly because they came in the wake of similar ones made against Mr Nayina. According Joy FM’s Northern Regional Correspondent, Mahama Shaibu, the NPP youth say Mr Nayina’s denials were not enough, arguing only an independent body could exonerate him of the charges. The group believes the president would be dealing his promise of vigorously fighting corruption a heavy blow, if he failed to investigate the matter. Story by Malik Abass Daabu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana