The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has dissociated itself from an alleged syndicate by an organisation geared towards embezzling funds from government’s Covid-19 stimulus package.

According to GNAPS, the organisation is suspected to be making a 4% deduction from the funds disbursed by the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) meant to augment the impact of the novel coronavirus on private schools.

“The 4% deduction, this organization claims, is to cater for the credit facility processing charges and to facilitate speedy disbursement of the loan from NBSSI,” GNAPS said.

A statement signed by Acting President for GNAPS, Dr Damasus Tuurosong indicated that the NBSSI has already reported the action of the said organisation to security service for investigation to ensure that they are brought to book.

GNAPS also advised schools on the private sector to desist from engaging any of these fraudulent entities and go according to the guidelines in securing government’s funds.

“GNAPS roundly condemns and disassociates itself from such a fraudulent act of extortion on the part of this private school organisation, and calls on school proprietors not to pay any amount to this organization or any individual,” the statement said.

It also commended the board for executing what they believe has been a transparent process adding that “The Association has absolute faith and trust in NBSSI, and urges the Board to continue with its good works to see the entire disbursement process to finality.”

“The Association advises schools which will benefit from this government support package to strictly apply the money for the intended purpose of stimulating their businesses out of recession back to growth.”