Two fined for default in workers' social security contributions

Takoradi, June 2, GNA - Mr Kofi Klutse, Managing Director of Pas Timbers, was on Thursday fined one million cedis by a circuit court in Takoradi for non-payment of the company workers' social security contributions to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). He pleaded guilty.

Mr Setorwu Azalo Yao Dzansi, who represented the SSNIT told the court presided over by Mr George K. Koomson that Pas Timbers, a wood processing company failed to pay to SSNIT social security contributions deducted from the salaries of the company's workers.

He said the total debt of the company stood at 142,558,659.45 from December 2003 to March 2005.

Mr Dzansi said in spite of persistent demands by SSNIT for the contributions, the company failed to pay the money. Mr Ebo Quarshie, who represented the company, assured the court that the outstanding debts would be paid by 1500 hours on Thursday June 2. In a related development, the court fined Mr Stephan Miezah, Managing Director (MD) of the Spice FM, a Takoradi-based radio station, one million cedis for non-payment of workers' social security contributions to the SSNIT. He pleaded guilty.