Eight file suit to commit BPI Bank Directors

Accra, May 19, GNA - Eight people have filed a suit at the High Court, Commercial Division, to commit top executives of BPI Bank for contempt following the change of name of BPI Bank to UT Bank. Suit number ACC/4/09 names the plaintiffs as Alex Ashiabor and seven others while HOPACO SDM BHD and three others are defendants. It names the respondents as Prince Kofi Amoabeng, Captain Budu Koomson, Mrs Pearl Esua-Mensah and Mr Michael Atiboly as respondents. In an affidavit in support of the suit, Mr Ashiabor said on April 30, 2009, the plaintiffs filed an application on notice to restrain the defendants from taking any further steps towards changing the name of BPI Bank to UT Bank.

The affidavit said the process was served on Captain Koomson, Mrs Esua-Mensah and Mr Atiboly on April 30. However, "in plain disregard and disrespect for the administration of justice", the three defendants/respondents proceeded to ignore the process and went ahead to change all the colours and logo of BPI Bank to UT Bank.

It said: "On the 4th of May, the respondents herein in the full glare of the public officially launched the changing of name of BPI Bank to UT Bank."

The plaintiffs described this as "a smack in the face of the court and gross disregard for the authority and power of this court". The plaintiffs said they believed the respondents were in contempt of court and must be ordered to purge their contempt.