ZoDF CEO Alhaji Halidu Haruna says internal checks uncovered troubling issues linked to the Fund’s Mobile Money (MoMo) accounts, alleging that the former CEO maintained control over several ZoDF MoMo numbers, including PIN codes during and after the transition.
“The numbers, the PIN code, everything, he had control over,” he said.
He argued that although 20 MoMo numbers were expected to be handed over, only six were presented. He said an audit review of those six revealed that about GH¢44,000 had been tampered with.
More seriously, he alleged that after the former CEO’s appointment was terminated, transactions were executed from the accounts into a personal mobile wallet, adding that the evidence would be visible in account statements. “In fact, when you take the statement of account, you see it,” he stated.
Alhaji Halidu Haruna said efforts to change authorization and secure the accounts were complicated by delays from MTN, which he claimed took close to two months to respond. He also alleged that when he personally visited an MTN office to follow up, he was ignored. “I went there myself personally. I was completely ignored,” he said.
He noted that the MoMo issue was not new, saying it had earlier been raised by auditors even before he assumed office, and had also come before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). According to him, PAC directed that funds in the MoMo accounts should be transferred into the Fund’s IGF account to tighten control and improve accountability.
However, he explained that the process faced technical hurdles because the Fund’s account is with the Bank of Ghana, which he said does not operate the same systems as commercial banks, requiring formal documentation to support the Fund’s response if called again by PAC.
Alhaji Halidu Haruna expressed frustration over what he described as persistent delays and lack of cooperation, arguing that the matter involves public money and should be treated with urgency.
“This is public money, for heaven’s sake. I decided to raise this because I think that I have used diplomatic means and they are reluctant in doing it,” he said.
He also alleged that beyond the financial issues, the former CEO left behind locked office computers, preventing him from accessing official systems, forcing him to use his personal laptop to work.
“The computers we are using in the office, he has put a code in it. I cannot even operate,” he added.
Despite the controversy, the ZoDF CEO insisted his actions were driven by accountability and proper governance, not personal vendetta. “It was not a vicious action. It was just to do what is right,” he stressed.
