The Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has described as suspicious, the recent establishment of the Office of Accountability by the President. In a statement signed by the NDC National Youth Organizer, Haruna Iddrisu, the Youth Wing wondered why it has taken over a year and six months for President Kufuor to establish the Office of Accountability.

They also argue that the appointment of Mrs. Florence Sai, as head of the Office of Accountability is an attempt by government to shield corrupt members of government and other NPP functionaries who become culpable. The youth group contends that considering the background of Mrs. Sai, there is no way she can effectively discharge her duties.

Mrs. Sai is the wife of Prof F.T. Sai, a presidential adviser on HIV/AIDS and the mother of Mrs. Oboshie Sai-Cofie, a Special Assistant to the President. A statement from the chief of staff, Kwadwo Mpianim last week announced the creation of the office of accountability to deal with corrupt practices involving top government officials.

The Office of Accountability was part of President Kufuor?s campaign message in the 2000 elections. The NDC youth group says although the appointment of a woman as head of the office is remarkable, the choice of Mrs. Sai is not the best because of her links with the Presidency.

The group also says the functions of the office are not well defined and that it comes in the wake of recent allegations of corruption involving ministers and other government appointees. It describes the creation of the office and its composition as a clever move to side-step public demand for full investigations into those allegations.