We’ve done nothing wrong – Zoomlion responds to Auditor-General’s report

Waste Management giant, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, has mounted a strong defence against the Auditor-General’s report suggesting the company was wrongful paid some GHC400 million by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

Zoomlion Ghana Limited, along with three former NHIA Chief Executives and the current one have been ordered by the Auditor-General to refund an amount of over GHc400 million following revelations of wrongful payments made to the waste management company.

The Auditor-General, specified in separate letters to the indicted CEOs, Sylvester Mensah, Ras Boateng, Samuel Annor and Nathaniel Otoo, that the financial infractions were identified after an audit into the accounts of the NHIA from January 2007 to April 2018.

Sylvester Mensah, is accused of making payment of GHC111,401,650 to Zoomlion without following due processes.

The payment which was authorized by Mr Mensah and the former DCE in charge of Finance and Investment of the Authority at the time, Alex Nartey from, June 2009 to May 2015, is contrary to Regulation 39 of Financial Administration, Regulations L.I. 1802. The two persons, along with Zoomlion were surcharged an amount of GHC202,013,257 and are to refund a total amount of GHC313,414,907.09.

Nathaniel Otoo - NHIA CEO from 2015 to 2017, Mr Nartey and Zoomlion have been ordered to refund GHC66,918,032 after the payment of GHC47,000,000 was made to Zoomlion.

Ras Boateng, CEO of NHIA from 2007 to 2009 and the Zoomlion are to refund a total amount of GHC6,083,000 into the Consolidated Fund.

Samuel Annor, who has served as NHIA CEO since March 2017, Francis Owusu, then DCE in charge of Finance & Investment and Zoomlion were ordered to refund an amount of GHC25,017,147.21.

But in response to this allegation in a statement from the Communications Directorate, the waste management company emphatically stated that it has done nothing wrong as all “contracts in the areas of disinfestation as a preventive health measure have all been duly executed and duly paid for”.

Zoomlion further disclosed that it was already in court over the allegations in the report and reassured the general public and stakeholders of its commitment to delivering on its mandates.

“The surcharge and disallowance certificates were served on the company which we disagreed with and have appropriately appealed against it the High Court in accordance with law. Without preempting the ruling of the court in the appeal,” part of the statement reads.

“The Management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited wish to reassure its stakeholders and the general public that it had done no wrong and call on the general public and media to exercise restraints and caution in any discourse on the issue. Zoomlion Ghana Limited is a responsible Corporate citizen which works ethically with integrity. We believe in the rule of law and the judiciary to bring finality to this matter,” the company stated.

Read full statement below

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ZOOMLION RESPONDS TO MEDIA REPORTAGE ON AUDITOR-GENERAL’S REPORT

ACCRA; January 07, 2019: The attention of the management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited has been drawn to media publications about the 2018 Special Audit report of the Auditor General on disallowances and surcharges, asking the company and previous and current Chief Executive Officers of the NHIA to refund some GH¢ 400 million.

The surcharge and disallowance certificates were served on the company which we disagreed with and have appropriately appealed against it the High Court in accordance with law. Without preempting the ruling of the court in the appeal, the Management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited wishes to assure the public that, the company believes it has done nothing wrong.

Zoomlion’s contracts in the areas of disinfestation as a preventive health measure have been with the Ministries of Health work have all been duly executed and duly paid for. The Management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited wish to reassure its stakeholders and the general public that it had done no wrong and call on the general public and media to exercise restraints and caution in any discourse on the issue.

Zoomlion Ghana Limited is a responsible Corporate citizen which works ethically with integrity. We believe in the rule of law and the judiciary to bring finality to this matter.

For further clarification, please contact Communication Directorate.