Tension Brews In Bibiani Over Intimidating Of Whistle-Blowers Who Exposed Bibiani MCE For Allegedly Diverting Public Items

THOUSANDS of citizens of Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai are deeply alarmed over the disturbing reports of intimidation faced by whistleblower who courageously exposed the alleged diversion of public items to the private residence of the newly appointed Municipal Chief Executive  (MCE) of Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipal Assembly in the Western North Region, Mr Paul Andoh.

Fuming with anger, the citizens urgently called upon the Western North Regional Minister and the Regional Coordinating Director to halt these acts of intimidation and take immediate action on the petition brought to them to ensure justice and accountability prevail.

According to them, the whistleblowers play a critical role in upholding transparency and accountability within society. 

"It is not for nothing that the Parliament of Ghana passed the Whistleblower Act (Act 720) in 2006 as an important anti-corruption tool to improve the nation's ability to fight corruption and other forms of unlawful conduct that negatively affect our development.

"We, concerned citizens, stress that it is essential to protect these individuals from any form of intimidation and harassment by ensuring that they can continue to expose potential misconduct by public officials without fear of being pursued by the very people who should rather be interested in protecting public funds," the citizens noted.

They indicated that the actions taken by the Western North Regional Minister and the Regional Coordinating Director are deeply concerning. 

They pointed out that the interrogations and arrest of a worker at the Regional Coordinating Council who is perceived to have disclosed information about the distribution of items to the various assemblies within the region, and subsequently taking him to his hometown to confiscate his phone for information assessment without a proper warrant is alarming. 

Such actions as pronounced by an Accra High Court in March 2017 in the matter between Edmund Addo vrs IGP and Attorney General, violate individual rights to privacy and should according to the citizens not be countenanced in any shape or form. 

They strongly condemned any attempts by the Regional Minister and Regional Coordinating Director to silence those perceived to have shed light on alleged wrongdoing, as it undermines the very foundations of a just and ethical society. 

They emphasized that safeguarding the rights of whistleblowers is crucial to fostering a culture of openness and responsible governance.

Given the conflicting statements between the Municipal Chief Executive, and the Municipal Coordinating Director yesterday on radio regarding the whereabouts of the diverted public items, they stressed that it becomes even more crucial for the Regional Minister and the Regional Coordinating Director to be interested in ascertaining the truth behind these claims as contained in the petition submitted to him (the Regional Minister ) on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Bibiani. 

They noted that the the apparent lack of clarity and transparency regarding the whereabouts of these items meant for the Bibiani Municipal Assembly raises legitimate concerns about accountability and responsible governance.

In light of the gravity of the situation, the concerned citizens of Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai urgently called on both the Western North Regional Minister and the Regional Coordinating Director to stop with immediate effect the persistent intimidation of individuals perceived to have blown the cover on the diversion of public items by Mr Paul Andoh, and rather be interested in investigating the alleged diversion cases brought to their attention. 

"We cannot allow fear to stifle the voices of those who seek to expose corrupt public officials. Our commitment to justice and accountability requires us to stand united against any attempts to obstruct the pursuit of truth.

"We wish to further implore the Western North Regional Minister and the Regional Coordinating Director to demonstrate their dedication to upholding democratic principles by ensuring that whistleblowers are protected and that the allegations of diversion of public items are thoroughly investigated. We believe that addressing this issue promptly and transparently is vital to preserving public trust and integrity," the citizens stressed.

Efforts made the Soireenews.com's senior reporter to get the MCE to respond to the allegations leveled against proved unsuccessfully.  Stay tuned for more details.