Pius Hadzide will be first former appointee to be prosecuted under NDC – Nii Lante

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Nii Lante Vanderpuye has indicated that National Youth Authority (NYA) boss, Pius Enam Hadzide could become the first former NPP appointee to face prosecution under John Mahama-led government for his alleged involvement in the Australian visa scandal.

During a mini durbar ganized by Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman Thomas Ampem Nyarko at Abume, a fishing community, Nii Lante Vanderpuye said Pius Enam Hadzide is neck deep in visa fraud during the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

The Odododioddio lawmaker claimed to possess evidence implicating Hadzide in the scandal and pledged to initiate legal proceedings against him if the NDC assumed power, promising to file a case on January 9, 2025.

“If there is sincerity and accountability in this country, this person (Pius Hadzide) would have been in prison by now because he is someone who brought shame to the entire country,” Vanderpuje asserted.

The visa scandal, which led to the deportation of over 60 individuals from Australia, involved individuals impersonating journalists, athletes, and persons with hearing impairments.

While both Robert Sarfo-Mensah, then Director-General of the National Sports Authority, and Pius Enam Hadzide, then Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, were suspended in connection with the scandal, President Akufo-Addo cleared Hadzide of any wrongdoing citing investigative reports.

Asuogyaman constituency is expected to be a battleground in the upcoming parliamentary elections, with Hadzide challenging incumbent NDC Member of Parliament Thomas Ampem Nyarko, who seeks a third consecutive term.