The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is calling for the interdiction of the Director General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, William Ampem Darko, and three others over alleged financial irregularities at the state broadcaster. The interdiction, according to a letter sighted by Joy News, is to pave the way for a smooth and wholesome investigation. The letter, under the heading “Alleged Financial Irregularities of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation” and signed by the Acting Deputy Executive Director of the SFO, Justice A. Y. Tsar, read: “This office is investigating series of reports and allegations of financial impropriety by the Director General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, which impropriety borders on huge financial loss to the state. “The investigation has reached a critical stage where the continuous intimidating presence of certain suspects/witnesses at post is unduly interfering with the investigation and compromising the sanctity of the outcome. “We therefore request the interdiction or stepping aside of the following by Friday, April 9th 2010 to pave way for a smooth and wholesome investigation: Mr. Ampem Darko-Director General, Mr. Oscar Nchor-Director, Technical Production, Mr. Augustus Yamson-Director, Engineering and Mr. Eric Odonkor-Chief Engineer, Transmission.” The letter further asked that the board, to which it was addressed to, inform the named persons to report to the Executive Director of the SFO immediately and to keep away from GBC until further notice. Ampem Darko reacts Meanwhile Mr. Ampem Darko tells Joy News he has already answered the SFO invitation. According to him, he was granted bail to the tune of GH¢100,000 after reporting to the SFO last week Thursday. The GBC boss, however, says he will resist any attempt by the board to ask him to step aside. In an interview with Joy News’ Alex Kobina Mensah Mr. Ampem Darko accused the board chair, Professor John Ahetor, of being behind the SFO investigation. “The very day he stepped foot on GBC premises, that’s 20th of April, he started working towards my exit. I don’t know whether he thought he could take my position when I exit. So he set many ways to frustrate what I am doing; the board chairman wants to ensure that I leave the position and perhaps he comes to sit there or gets someone who is very docile to sit down for him to carry out his nefarious activities,” Mr Ampem Darko said. In a related development, Joy News sources at GBC say the staff have been informed of a meeting called by the board today at which the interdiction of Mr. Ampem Darko and the three others will be announced. The union is, however, expected to lead a protest Monday morning to prevent the board from meeting to take any such decision. They believe the four have done no wrong and are rather being interdicted on political grounds. According to sources, red armbands for the protest were distributed to some staff on Sunday with the rest expected to be handed theirs later. Joy News has also learnt of a meeting by the National Media Commission to deliberate on the recent developments. Source: Joy News/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana