FIC Should Turn Their Attention To Gov’t Appointees Accused Of Corruption; Not Vicky

Outspoken New Patriotic Party (NPP) Youth Activist, John Kumah has asked the Mahama-led government to divert its attention from investigating the bank account of the former Deputy Communications Minister to ensuring that indicted persons found guilty of corruption in the nation face the rigors of the law. According to him, it is inappropriate for the Financial Intelligence Centre Ghana to probe the bank accounts of Ms. Victoria Hammah without any form of suspicion of money laundering. Contributing to Peace FM's "Kokrokoo", John Kumah demanded that the FIC and other statutory investigative bodies take action against persons indicted for corruption. A letter from the Financial Intelligence Centre Ghana (FIC), a subsidiary of the Bank of Ghana, entitled "Request for information on Victoria Hamma", was sent to all banks in the country notifying them that fired Deputy Communications Minister is under security surveillance for possible money laundering. The letter which was dated Wednesday, November 13 indicated that Ms. Hammah "has come under security notice." Signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the FIC, the letter further read that; “Pursuant to section 28 of the anti-money laundering act 2008, Act 749, please furnish us with the following on her. 1. Mandate and account dating forms. 2. Evident on know your customer and customer due diligence. 3. Legible copy of photo identity. 4. All transaction statement (bank and investment statements)." Nonetheless, Mr. Kumah believes there's little or no hope of the FIC getting to the bottom of the issue and to him, the law should be reviewed because the "abuse in it is too much." He stated; “The rate at which FIC officials have sweeping powers to freeze anybody’s account upon any the teeny weeny bit of suspicion leaves much to be desired…the FIC can freeze your account for a year….And also if the one year is up and the FIC is not able to prove that the person accused of indulging in money laundering activities is innocent or did not amass wealth through illegal means; what happens to the person who’s been made to suffer for one year?”

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com