Security firm demands debt from Ghana@50 Secretariat

Accra, Sept. 14, GNA - The Management of Skones Security Company Limited, a private security firm on Monday demanded GH¢8,648 from the Ghana@50 Secretariat for services it rendered from October 24, 2006 to July 21, 2008 at the African Union (AU) Village at Cantonments. Lieutenant Commander J. A. Dennis, Director of the company who appeared before the Ghana@50 Commission of Inquiry in Accra, told the Commission that at the time of the termination of his company's contract with the Secretariat, GH¢51,000 out of the contract amount of GH¢60,000 had been paid leaving the balance in contention. However, Lt. Cdr. Dennis's memoranda to the Commission did not include some vital documentation to prove that his company owed the amount being claimed.

The Commission therefore concluded that due to lack of appropriate documentation by the company it would be difficult to verify the claim of its indebtedness to the Secretariat.


It therefore asked the management to furnish the Commission with receipts, payment vouchers, contract agreement and other vital documents.


Mr Akoto Ampaw, Counsel for Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana@50 Secretariat during cross-examination told Lt. Cdr Dennis that the documentation on the debt being demanded was inconclusive.


He replied in the affirmative and promised to provide relevant documents later.

Another contractor, William Aidam of Killiwama Woodworks who appeared before the Commission also demanded GH¢30,259 as balance of payments for civil works undertaken at the AU Village at Cantonments. Mr Aidam claimed he installed cabinets, wardrobes and flush doors, skirting and Plaster-of-Paris on some 30 building at the Village and was paid GH¢131,094.45 out of the GH¢161,353.45.


He could not also provide the necessary documentation to prove the claim, and during cross-examination it was established that the company was not awarded the contract directly by the Ghana@50 Secretariat but through a consultant.


Mr. Justice Isaac Duose, Chairman of the Commission asked witnesses who appear before the Commission to make claims of indebtedness to the Ghana@50 Secretariat to provide all necessary documentation or have their applications thrown out. 14 Sept. 09