…Sells NIA’s Nissan Pick-Up to Himself at a Bargain Price
On November 12, 2024, the extended contract granted to Prof. Ken Attafuah to continue serving as the Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority (NIA) by the Akufo-Addo Jubilee House officially expired.
Attafuah, who has held the role of NIA’s Executive Secretary since 2017, took the opportunity to claim a parting gift from the NIA’s carpool – a luxury pickup truck that he had long desired.
To somewhat legitimize the questionable act of self-dealing, Attafuah, who is allegedly pencilled down to become the chief of staff in the unlikely event that the New Patriotic party (The NPP) is retained in government, enlisted the Board of the NIA and persuaded its Chairman, Abel Edusei, to draft a letter seeking approval from the presidency for the purchase of the car.
In a letter dated 5th November, 2024, Edusei presented the request, stating: “At its last Regular Meeting on Monday, 21st October, 2024, the Governing Board of the National Identification Authority (NIA) resolved to respectfully seek permission from the Office of The President to sell one six-year-old used Nissan pickup truck belonging to the NIA to Prof. Kenneth Agymang Attafuah, who has served as Executive Secretary of the NIA from 2017 until his contract expires on 12th November 2024 as he turns 65 on 9th November, 2024.”
The letter emphasized Attafuah’s exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to the implementation of the National Identification System (NIS), making special mention of his influence on the government’s digitalization agenda through the successful introduction of the Ghana Card.
Although the exact purchase price was not disclosed in the letter, sources familiar with the situation indicated that Attafuah acquired the vehicle for Ghc700.
Critics have condemned what they perceive as an exploitation of the state due to the accommodating and collusive disposition of the NIA leadership, which has shielded Attafuah from repercussions.
Earlier this year, there was a call from the Public Services Union, supported by NIA staff, for President Akufo-Addo to dismiss Attafuah over alleged labor malpractices.
However, the Board, characterized as deferential and conspiratorial, rallied in support of Attafuah in the face of the accusations.