Change my name if Pius Hadzide isn’t jailed over Australia Visa Scandal – Malik Basintale

Deputy National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Malik Basintale, has thrown down the gauntlet, stating that his name should be changed if Pius Enam Hadzide, CEO of the National Youth Authority, is not jailed under the next John Mahama administration.

Basintale’s bold declaration was made during the campaign launch of the NDC Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Thomas Ampem Nyarko.

The controversy stems from the 2018 Commonwealth Games visa scandal, where over 60 individuals were deported from Australia for posing as journalists to gain entry into the country.

The scandal led to the suspension of Pius Hadzide, then Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, and Robert Sarfo-Mensah, then Director General of the National Sports Authority.

Although President Akufo Addo based on an obscured investigation by the Bureau of National Investigation cleared Hadzide, the findings were never made public, despite pressure from stakeholders and civil society organizations, fueling further suspicion of cover-up.

In a recent campaign speech, Hadzide, who is now the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for Asuogyaman, admitted to facilitating the travel arrangements during the 2018 scandal.

He promised to assist constituents in travelling to the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup if elected. “Even far away in 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 U.S. during the World Cup,” Hadzide said during his campaign.

In response, the NDC on September 12 held a press conference and lashed out at Hadzide, demanding his dismissal and prosecution.

Malik Basintale while addressing supporters of the NDC in Asuogyaman over the weekend stated that,

“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 accused Hadzide of allegedly duping constituents and engaging in fraudulent activities.

“He collected monies from constituents, charged each person GH¢105,000, and when the people got to Australia, they were deported. Now he’s moved from Ketu North to Asuogyaman, promising to collect our money and take us to the U.S.,” Basintale claimed.

He urged voters in Asuogyaman to reject Hadzide, pointing to his lack of integrity and development in the area despite holding key positions in government.

“There is no Agency which one can use to help the youth than the National Youth Authority, so if you have anything to help the youth it should come from the National Youth Authority but since Pius was designated to the National Youth Authority he has not done anything for you”

“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 said, endorsing the incumbent MP, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, as the candidate who has championed tangible development in the constituency.

Basintale called on the people of Asuogyaman to vote for John Mahama and Thomas Ampem Nyarko, stating, “This is the team that will bring real development to the constituency.”

Meanwhile the Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman Thomas Ampem Nyarko,

Seeking a third term in office, accounted for his stewardship, listing numerous projects and interventions in the areas of education, health, water and sanitation, women’s empowerment, and vocational skills development.

He emphasized that, despite his two terms being served while the NDC was in opposition, he has used his 5% share of the MP’s Common Fund to improve living standards in Asuogyaman.

Thomas Ampem Nyarko expressed disappointment that the Asuogyaman District Assembly, which receives 95% of the District Assembly Common Fund, has done little in terms of development.

He remains optimistic that more development will come to the constituency if John Mahama is re-elected president in 2024, while he continues as a Member of Parliament.

The Campaign launch was attended by some Members of Parliament, both National and Regional Executives of the NDC, and Thousands of Supporters.