Joe Itaki

Joe Itaki, 46 from Wapenamanda, Enga province is charged with one count each of misappropriation, official corruption and conspiracy to defraud the state.

It is alleged that Joe Itaki, Director General of the National Youth Development Authority, abused public funds totally up to nine million seven hundred nineteen thousand, six hundred and eighty five kina (K9, 719,685) belonging to the National Youth Development Authority.

He appeared before the Waigani District Court today, however the magistrate was not available to hear his case.

Itaki replaces Reuben Akia, who was acting on the position since 2018.

Itaki is from from Wapenamanda District in the Enga Province and has served in the public service for over 16 years.

He served as executive manager to the Office of Secretary and recently got appointed as Acting Deputy Secretary for Community Development in the Department for Community Development and Religion.

He recently attained a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Korea.