The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Upper Manya Krobo in the Eastern Region, Mr. Emmanuel Kwesi Lawer, has taken decisive action to recover GH¢67,900 allegedly misappropriated by three officials of the District Assembly.

Barely two months into his tenure, Mr. Lawer — a seasoned Assembly Member — uncovered discrepancies in the Assembly’s Internally Generated Funds (IGF), prompting an internal audit.

The probe revealed that the District Finance Officer (DFO), the Accounts Officer, and the Revenue Superintendent had allegedly siphoned funds between last year and early 2025.

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the DCE summoned the three officers to his office for questioning.

He demanded they produce three General Counterfoil Receipt (GCR) booklets believed to be linked to the missing funds.

When the DFO reportedly refused to comply, Mr. Lawer locked the trio in his office and called in the police.

This bold move led to the immediate recovery of the missing GH¢67,900.

According to sources, the Revenue Superintendent refunded GH¢5,800, the Accounts Officer returned GH¢27,600, while the DFO — under police escort — withdrew GH¢34,500 from his personal bank account in Koforidua the following day to complete the reimbursement.

The total amount recovered has since been deposited into the Assembly’s main account, while the police continue their investigations.

Speaking on the incident, Mr. Lawer reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability, declaring zero tolerance for corruption under his leadership.

He also announced plans for a comprehensive audit to identify and recover any additional financial losses.

“This administration will not shield anyone found culpable of wrongdoing.

We are here to serve with integrity,” he said.