Deputy Information and Media Relations Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed says the prosecution of his former boss, Abuga Pele, for causing financial loss to the state, amongst other charges, is “sad”.

The former Deputy Coordinator at the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), later Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA), says it is “disheartening” Abuga Pele is being prosecuted for his stewardship at the NYEP.

According to him, “Inasmuch as I can't and I wouldn't stand in the way of justice, transparency and accountable governance, particular the enormous commitment shown by this government in fighting corruption and trying to expunge it from the annals of our political and governance system as a sovereign state, I believe I can state without any equivocation that Hon Abuga Pele gave his all to see [to] the success of the programme he managed as the leader for barely 4 years”.

Pele and the CEO of Goodwill International Group Philip Akpeena Assibit are facing 19 criminal charges in connection with the fraudulent award of contracts to certain private firms under the GYEEDA programme.

The charges largely include causing financial loss to the state of about US$3 million and defrauding by false pretences.

Murtala Muhammed wrote on his facebook page that: “Whatever the case is, I have no doubt whatsoever in the independence of our judiciary to dispense justice at all times”.

He also wished Pele well in the case.