The former President of the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) Ashanti region, Kwame Owusu Bampoe, has called on the Office of the Attorney General to exercise fairness and diligence in its ongoing investigations into the NSA-vendor dealings.
In a statement, Bampoe emphasized the need for impartiality and respect for all parties involved, particularly the vendor community, which has played a crucial role in supporting national service personnel across the country.
Bampoe clarified that the National Service Authority (NSA) does not enter into direct contracts with vendors for the supply of goods or provision of credit to National Service Personnel (NSPs). Instead, this responsibility lies with NASPA, the elected welfare association of NSPs, at both regional and district levels. NASPA facilitates agreements with vendors to enable service personnel to access essential items, with clear repayment terms deducted from their monthly allowances.
Bampoe expressed concerns that some public commentaries on the issue have overlooked the fundamental structural issue and have unfairly cast vendors as participants in a “criminal enterprise.” He argued that vendors, many of whom are long-standing service providers with track records of integrity, are not equipped to verify backend personnel data or validate internal NSA payment authorizations.
Their role is to deliver agreed goods or services based on documentation presented to them through NASPA’s coordination.
Bampoe urged the Attorney General’s office to exercise utmost fairness and balance in its ongoing inquiry. He emphasized that vendors who have been named, either directly or by implication, deserve the opportunity to present their side, share documentation, and clarify their involvement. Public accountability must be accompanied by procedural justice, where those accused are granted a fair hearing before conclusions are drawn or reputations tarnished.
Bampoe concluded by emphasizing the need to protect integrity, both in process and perception. He stressed that the investigations should be carried out with diligence, impartiality, and respect for all parties involved, especially the vendor community, which has bridged welfare gaps for thousands of young Ghanaians during their national service journey.
The NSA-vendor dealings investigation is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and fairness. Bampoe’s statement highlights the need for diligence and impartiality in the investigation, ensuring that innocent parties are not unfairly implicated or damaged. The Attorney General’s office must balance public accountability with procedural justice, protecting the integrity of the process and the livelihoods of those involved.
