Checkpoint asks NPP Chairman to withdraw statement

Accra, Dec. 12, GNA - Checkpoint Ghana Limited, a security printing firm, on Monday asked Mr Harona Esseku, Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to withdraw immediately a statement he allegedly made that the Company was formed and propped up through financial assistance of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government.

Speaking at a press conference to challenge the claims, Mr Ken Brookman Amissah, the Company's Lawyer said the Board and Management would not hesitate to take the option of a legal action to restore the reputation of the Company, which had been dragged in the mud. He described the allegations as unfounded and malicious directed to ruin the Company and the hard won reputation of its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Joseph Boateng. He said Mr and Mrs Boateng established the Company through hard work and extensive financial assistance from the SG-SSB Bank and the Trust Bank.

"The ownership of Checkpoint has never been in contention. Anyone who cares to know our financiers can approach our bankers as SSB Ring Road Central Branch or the Trust Bank Headquarters for confirmation," he told journalists. Mr Amissah also debunked the impression created by the allegations that Checkpoint was involved in the payment of illegal money to the NDC and was supported by the Party to secure the services of expatriates. He explained that the Company's technical partner, Checkpoint Security Services Limited, a leading fraud cheque prevention company in the United Kingdom, provided training to staff anytime a new technology was brought in.

He said such allegations had huge ramifications on the Company's business operations both within and outside the country, saying that the allegations of illegal payment of monies to a political party could sway clients', especially those whose printing works were funded by institutions such as the World Bank. He said the Company had won its business contracts on merit and through the trust and confidence reposed in them, enabling them to survive under various governments. "However, permit me to emphasise that we have earned high status in security printing through merit. And that is why we have existed and continue to grow under various governments."

Asked whether the Company saw the allegations as the work of a rival Company, Mr Amissah replied in the negative. He said the Company was ready to participate in any enquiry set up to look into the allegations. Checkpoint Ghana Limited was formed in 1995 and currently has investments in equipment and machinery worth 70 billion cedis. The Company is engaged in the printing of cheques, value books among other publications both in Ghana and abroad.