Deputy National Communications Officer of the NDC, Malik Basintale, has warned the people of Asuogyaman that Pius Enam Hadzide, who is seeking their votes to become Member of Parliament, is a “candidate for jail” due to his role in the 2018 Australia Visa Scandal.
Basintale, speaking during a campaign launch of Thomas Ampem Nyarko over the weekend boldly declared that his name should be changed if Pius Hadzide, CEO of the National Youth Authority, is not jailed under the next John Mahama government.
He pointed to Hadzide’s involvement in the Commonwealth Games scandal in Australia, where more than 60 people were deported for posing as journalists to gain entry into the country.
The scandal, which shook the nation, led to the suspension of Hadzide, then Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, and Robert Sarfo-Mensah, Director General of the National Sports Authority.
An opaque investigation was launched by the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI), and despite pressure from civil society groups for transparency, the report clearing Hadzide was never made public.
In September 2024, while campaigning as the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for Asuogyaman, Hadzide admitted to facilitating the visa process in 2018 and promised similar opportunities for his constituents. “Even far away Australia, I facilitated for people to travel there; so vote for me, and I will facilitate for the youths of Asuogyaman to travel to the US during the World Cup,” Hadzide confessed, pledging to assist young people in exploring opportunities abroad if elected.
However, the NDC and Asuogyaman MP Thomas Ampem Nyarko have called for Hadzide’s prosecution.
Addressing NDC supporters during the campaign launch of Ampem Nyarko, Malik Basintale justified why Hadzide should face jail time.
“The person the NPP is presenting, I know he is a candidate for jail. Walai walai, if we win and we do not jail Pius, change my name from Malik Basintale,” he declared. “He should be sent to where Ataa Ayi is, so we have peace of mind to rule this country and better the lives of Ghanaians.”
Basintale further accused Hadzide of fraudulent activities during the Australian Visa scandal, alleging that Hadzide charged constituents GHC 105,000 each, only for them to be deported from Australia. “Today, he has run from Ketu North to Asuogyaman, promising to collect our money and take us to the US. So when they deport you from the US, what will you do?” Basintale asked.
Basintale urged voters to reject Hadzide, labeling him a “connection man” who has done nothing for Asuogyaman, despite holding high-profile positions such as CEO of the National Youth Authority. “Has he constructed your roads? Has he given you jobs or water? If the answer is no, then he doesn’t deserve your support,” Basintale emphasized.
He concluded by endorsing Thomas Ampem Nyarko as the only candidate capable of delivering meaningful development to Asuogyaman, adding that if John Mahama wins the election, Nyarko will help facilitate all the policies and progress Mahama has planned for the constituency. “Let Asuogyaman vote for Thomas Ampem Nyarko and John Mahama for development,” Basintale urged.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
