Members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Hohoe Constituency have intercepted a significant quantity of fertilizer and maize seedlings, sparking allegations of government property theft. The seizure took place at a farmhouse in Gbi Akplamafu, a short distance from the Hohoe-Alavanyo road. The haul included 128 bags of 50-kilogram NPK 20-10-10 fertilizer and 18 bags of maize seedlings.
The operation, led by NDC executives and the police, followed numerous tip-offs suggesting that state-owned fertilizer was being stored illegally within the constituency. Hohoe Constituency Chairman, Mr. Newton Darkey, stated that the party had been monitoring the activities of the outgoing Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Francis Fiakpui, since the change of government. The farmhouse where the fertilizer was found is reportedly owned by a family member of the MCE.
Mr. Darkey has called for a thorough investigation by the police and the National Investigation Bureau to determine the circumstances surrounding the discovery. He urged constituents with knowledge of looted items to come forward, emphasizing that the seized goods belong to the citizens and taxpayers.
The interception has been met with dismay from local farmers. Mr. Frank Smart Hodogbey, a farmer, lamented the high cost of fertilizer in the market and the unfair denial of access to government resources that could boost agricultural yields. He called for a nationwide investigation into fertilizer hoarding and the prosecution of those responsible.
The caretaker of the farmhouse, Master Boni Abu, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that he was unaware of the fertilizer's presence in the room where it was stored. He admitted to seeing cars delivering goods to the property but only learned of the fertilizer's identity during the interception. He is currently assisting the police with their investigation.
The seized fertilizer and maize seedlings were subsequently transported to the Assembly warehouse at Gbi Avega, witnessed by the GNA. The goods were loaded onto a KIA truck and three Nissan pickup vehicles. The incident underscores concerns about the accountability of government resources and their equitable distribution to the farming community.
