By Theckla Gunga – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Madang MP, Bryan Kramer, has laid a formal complaint to investigate the allocation of a K9 million contract awarded to the NCD Yoga Program since 2015. The National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Office in Port Moresby received it today (April 24).
Head of the Fraud Squad Chief Superintendent, Matthew Damaru, who registered the complaint said it is a police matter now and the outcome will be determined through proper investigations.
Kramer’s complaint followed allegations of fraud that surfaced in March after a video of two NCDC officers was uploaded on social media. The officers have been discussing the amount of money injected into the Yoga Program annually. Their conversation revealed that NCDC spends K3 million every year on the program. The contract is alleged to have been illegally awarded. This prompted debates on social media and raised questions on the floor of parliament.
NCD Governor, Powes Parkop, however, has denied this allegation.
The Office of the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption will now investigate this matter before the NCD Governor can be invited in for questioning.
Meanwhile, Governor Parkop has welcomed investigation into the fraud allegations against his office, but maintains that due procedures were followed to award the contract and the funds used were fully acquitted for. He said Mr. Kramer’s complaint on the Foreign Certificate issued is a matter for the Investment Promotion Authority and not a criminal matter. Parkop said the Yoga Program has achieved a lot and has plans to expand the program.
