NDA CEO Sulley Sambian refutes allegations of land sales and missing assets

Lawyer Sulley Sambian, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), has firmly denied widespread social media allegations about land sales, missing assets, and auctioning of vehicles. He described the accusations as “pathetically lame” but chose to respond in respect of stakeholders seeking clarity.

On the issue of alleged NDA land sales in Accra and Tamale, Mr. Sambian clarified that while the Authority had explored partnerships to develop its liaison office property at Cantonments, the process revealed the absence of proper land title documentation. The Lands Commission, he explained, eventually offered the Authority a 1.2-acre lease, adding that no NDA lands in Tamale had been sold.

Addressing reports of 24 missing motorbikes, Sambian explained that the anomaly came to light during stock-taking under his leadership. He directed his Deputy CEO to involve the police, leading to arrests, while investigations remain ongoing. He criticized attempts to incite protests against the arrests, insisting the matter is strictly under police jurisdiction.

Responding to further claims of a missing Toyota Hilux, he explained that the vehicle had already been assigned to the board chairman before his assumption of office, making it unreasonable to brand it missing. On vehicle auctions, he stressed that the process was initiated prior to his tenure, duly approved, and all proceeds deposited into a government account. He also dismissed allegations about tricycle procurement, affirming that the process was transparent and that neither he nor the board chairman had ties to the supplier.

Mr. Sambian expressed disappointment at media outlets that published the allegations without verification, calling such actions a breach of journalistic standards. He reiterated his commitment to accountability, transparency, and safeguarding the Authority’s assets.