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NPP Rift Erupts Over Financial Management Allegations

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. rupts-over-financial-management-allegations.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 11:28 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
      Locale: GHANA

Accra, Ghana - January 28th, 2026 - A sharp exchange has erupted within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following public criticisms leveled by former Minister for Science and Technology, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, regarding financial management within the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC). Freddie Blay, the current Chairman of the NPP, has responded forcefully, branding the Professor's statements as "irresponsible and reckless," signaling a deepening rift within the governing party.

The controversy stems from Professor Frimpong-Boateng's recent resignation and subsequent public airing of grievances concerning the handling of funds overseen by PIAC. The details of the Professor's specific allegations haven't been fully detailed in initial reports, but they appear to focus on potential irregularities or a perceived lack of transparency in how public funds earmarked for PIAC are being managed. PIAC, established under the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, is tasked with monitoring and evaluating the utilization of petroleum revenues in Ghana, a crucial role given the nation's growing oil sector.

Speaking on Accra-based Peace FM, Freddie Blay didn't hold back in his condemnation. He characterized Professor Frimpong-Boateng's public pronouncements as not just unfortunate, but as a direct disrespect towards the NPP. Blay argued that the former Minister should have utilized internal party channels to voice his concerns rather than resorting to a public forum, effectively undermining the party's credibility.

"It was most irresponsible and reckless for Professor Frimpong-Boateng to make such a public pronouncement. We cannot sit down and entertain such behaviour," Blay stated, reflecting a clear desire to contain the damage and discourage similar actions from other party members. He went further, asserting that the Professor's actions constitute a "disservice" to the Akufo-Addo government, jeopardizing efforts to foster transparency and accountability - key tenets the administration has consistently touted.

While acknowledging Professor Frimpong-Boateng's right to freedom of expression, Blay underscored the importance of responsible conduct, especially for individuals who have held high office. He suggested that a lack of "due diligence" in verifying the claims before making them public was particularly problematic. This implies a concern that the allegations, even if based on some truth, may be unsubstantiated or misrepresented, potentially leading to unwarranted public distrust.

The implications of this public dispute extend beyond a mere internal party squabble. Professor Frimpong-Boateng is a highly respected figure in Ghana's scientific community, known for his contributions to cardiothoracic surgery and his advocacy for technological advancement. His criticisms, therefore, carry significant weight and could potentially erode public confidence in the government's financial management practices.

Furthermore, the timing of these accusations is sensitive. With Ghana facing ongoing economic challenges and increased scrutiny of public spending, any hint of financial impropriety is likely to be seized upon by opposition parties and civil society groups. The National Democratic Congress (NDC), the main opposition party, has already signaled its intention to demand a full investigation into the allegations.

Analysts predict that this incident will likely trigger a period of heightened political tension. The NPP will likely attempt to downplay the severity of the claims and defend its record on transparency, while the NDC will undoubtedly use the controversy to bolster its own narrative of corruption and mismanagement. The public, in turn, will be watching closely to see how the government responds to these accusations and whether any concrete steps are taken to address the concerns raised by Professor Frimpong-Boateng. The future handling of this situation will be key to maintaining public trust and demonstrating a commitment to good governance in Ghana.