NYEP Workers On Warpath

Beneficiaries of the Health Extension module of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) in the Asawase sub-metro in Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital, are unhappy with wrongful seizure of their monies by officials. Though the beneficiaries are entitled to monthly allowances, those attached to the Manhyia District hospital have been working tirelessly for the past eight months without pay. The beneficiaries noted that their monies were withdrawn from the banks by unknown persons though information reached them that their accumulated allowances were due. After enquiries, they were told that some other people came to the bank with their details to withdraw the monies but when they contacted their officials they were not given any tangible reason. When contacted, Saddick Adams, the Asawase sub-Metro Coordinator of the NYEP, confirmed the story and indicated that the issue came to his attention on Friday. He refused to make further comments but promised to contact the banks to address the matter. Information gathered by DAILY GUIDE indicates the officials allegedly take a lion share of the money and give the rest to people who are normally supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the area. A beneficiary, who pleaded anonymity, told DAILY GUIDE that she withdrew an amount of GH�560 but one Razak, an official at the office took the money. She noted that Razak claimed the money did not belong to her. The said beneficiary reported the matter to the leadership of the hospital, who subsequently informed media personnel about the situation. The beneficiaries, in an interview, pointed out the authorities usually threaten to dismiss them when they complain. Attempts by the paper to speak to officials at the office proved futile as they were unwilling to comment.