The Acting Chief Financial Officer in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Image: Twitter.
Department of defence clarifies citizenship of its CFO Edem Abotsi
The Department of Defence says it is unfair to associate its acting CFO Edem Abotsi with illegal immigrants involved in crime in the country.
The Acting Chief Financial Officer in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Image: Twitter.
The Department of Defence (DOD) has provided clarity about the status and citizenship of its acting Chief Financial Officer Edem Abotsi.
This comes as Abotsi’s appointment sparked outrage and concerns from social media users considering the fact that he is originally from Ghana.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE CLARIFIES EDEM ABOTSI’S CITIZENSHIP
In a statement, the department said it has noted social media posts questioning the status and citizenship of Abotsi and the position he is occupying.
“It can be confirmed that Mer Abotsi has been in the department since 2014 as Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Director Financial Services. Subsequent to the departure of the Chief Financial Officer, he has occupied the acting CFO position,” the department said.
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Furthermore, DOD said Abotsi has been in South Africa legally since 1991 and is a neutralised citizen since 1999.
“He is a qualified auditor and accountant. He was also at the Office of the Auditor General for 14 years and left as a Senior Audit Manager.”
CONCERNS OVER MALICIOUS REPORTS ABOUT CFO
The Department of Defence said it is malicious and unfair to associate Abotsi with illegal nationals in the country and are allegedly involved in criminal activities.
“Mr Abotsi has been in the country legally and has subjected himself to all the laws of the Republic of South Africa that regulate foreign nationals wishing to live, work and eventually become South African citizens as required by the laws of the land.”
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