Story By: Nii Okpoti Odamtten / Mohammed Faisal Mustapha……
Fresh allegations have emerged against the Upper West Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abdul Nasir Saani, popularly known as Chairman Bunas, over the alleged mishandling and non-distribution of funds raised to support the party during the general elections.
According to a source familiar with the matter, questions are being raised over GH¢8.3 million allegedly mobilised through fundraising activities under the regional chairman’s leadership, with some party executives demanding accountability over the management and disbursement of the money.
The source alleged that the funds were expected to support party activities across the various constituencies, but concerns have emerged over whether the money was properly distributed to the intended beneficiaries.
The source further explained that an agreement was reached for each district in the region to receive GH¢30,000 from the fundraising proceeds, with the amount expected to be disbursed in four instalments.
However, only two of the four instalments were allegedly paid, leaving two outstanding payments that some constituency executives are reportedly demanding explanations for.
The alleged failure to complete the payments has generated dissatisfaction among sections of the party’s grassroots leadership, with some executives questioning the management, distribution and accountability of the funds mobilised in the party’s name.
The source claimed that attempts by some constituency executives to obtain clarification over the outstanding payments were unsuccessful, further deepening disagreements within the regional party.
According to the source, the disagreement over accountability subsequently contributed to tensions and alleged moves to remove some individuals from their positions within the party’s regional structure.
The source suggested that the concerns over the fundraising proceeds, alongside other allegations of financial inducements and political manoeuvres, had contributed to growing internal discontent ahead of the party’s regional-level elections.
Allegations Over Fertiliser Supplies
In another development, the source has accused Chairman Bunas of allegedly withholding fertiliser supplies reportedly sent to the region during a period of dry spell, claiming that the products were transported to warehouses allegedly belonging to the regional chairman instead of being distributed to their intended beneficiaries.
The source alleged that the fertiliser was kept in the warehouses rather than being made available to farmers and other intended beneficiaries who were expected to benefit from the intervention.
The source further claimed to possess photographs and other materials, including images of trailers allegedly transporting the fertiliser to the warehouses, which could help establish the circumstances surrounding the movement and storage of the products.
The allegations have raised further questions about the handling of resources intended to support party structures and communities in the Upper West Region.
The source is calling on the regional chairman to account for the alleged GH¢8.3 million fundraising proceeds, explain the two outstanding instalments and clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged storage of the fertiliser.
The developments add another dimension to the growing concerns over financial accountability, resource distribution and internal disagreements within the Upper West Regional NDC as the party prepares for its regional elections.
When contacted by phone, Chairman Abdul Nasir Saani, popularly known as Chairman Bunas, denied any wrongdoing. However, when pressed to respond to other related concerns, he stated that he was engaging with delegates and maintained that he stood by his earlier remarks.