The Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Eric Adjei, has justified the recent suspension of staff, citing concerns over irregular employment arrangements and financial mismanagement within the organization.

In an interview, Mr. Adjei highlighted discrepancies in staff recruitment and payment structures, revealing that some employees were receiving allowances despite holding appointment letters.

“Upon arrival at the office, I sighted a document that indicated the staff would receive a severance for 3 months,” he stated.

He further explained that NEIP’s budget does not cover such compensations since these employees were reportedly being paid from the presidency’s funds rather than through a proper NEIP budget allocation.

“It is operational monies they bring. So indirectly, the money supposed to be used to run NEIP is being used to pay such people,” Adjei noted.

According to him, these individuals are not recognized under the Public Service Commission or Civil Service, making their employment status questionable.

“When I saw this, I said this is wrong. So for the past week, I've followed up with ministries. I just want to know the position of my workers. Where they belong,” he added.

Further investigations revealed irregularities in payment structures. “When I checked the records at the Finance Department, the people that had appointment letters, if paid, it was captured as allowance. Who can keep receiving allowance for seven years in a government job when appointment letters have been issued?” Adjei questioned.

He also pointed out the tax implications of such arrangements, saying, “Every salary worker pays withholding tax. Because they were paid as allowance, they weren't paying tax to the government.”

NEIP Enforces Staff Suspension Amid Legal Complications

The NEIP has since suspended its staff as it seeks to resolve legal and financial issues tied to employment formalization. In an official statement, the management clarified that the suspension was necessary due to legal barriers preventing the use of operational funds for staff allowances.

“The legal implications surrounding employment issues prevent the use of operational resources for staff payments,” the notice stated.

To prevent further legal complications, the directive requires that all staff cease reporting to work from Monday, 24th February 2025, until the issues are fully resolved. “Once these issues are adequately addressed, management may recall specific staff members whose services are deemed necessary,” the notice added.

Employees in possession of NEIP property have also been instructed to return all items to the HR Officer by close of business on Tuesday, 25th February 2025. Failure to comply will be treated as theft, according to the statement.

The NEIP has expressed gratitude to its staff for their cooperation and patience during this challenging period.