A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Economic and Finance Committee, Dr. Sharif Mahmud Khalid has called for a comprehensive audit of the Nation Builders Corps (NABCo).
Speaking to Berla Mundi on Ghana Decides, on the need for transparency and accountability, Dr. Khalid emphasized that resolving the arrears owed to beneficiaries without a thorough investigation into the institution’s financial operations will not be prudent.
“We are not going to look into the payment of the monies owed. The whole NABCo needs to be audited,” he stated on December 13, citing concerns about potential irregularities within the program.
According to Dr. Khalid, there are allegations of ghost names on NABCo’s payroll, which may have led to misappropriation of funds.
He stressed the need for a proper investigation to uncover the truth behind these allegations and ensure that every cedi is accounted for.
NABCO, established in 2018, was a government initiative aimed at addressing graduate unemployment by providing temporary job opportunities.
However, it has faced criticism in recent years over unpaid stipends and alleged lapses in its management.
Dr. Khalid noted that only a full-scale audit could provide clarity on whether the program was run efficiently and whether public funds were properly utilized.
“The entire institution, NABCo, needs to be examined inside and out to see where these payments went,” he added, urging authorities to take immediate action.
Calls for an audit come as many former NABCo beneficiaries continue to protest unpaid stipends, with some raising questions about the program’s sustainability and financial integrity.
The government is yet to comment on Dr. Khalid’s remarks, but pressure is mounting on the relevant authorities to address the concerns and provide answers regarding the management of NABCo.
