Regional News of Monday, 18 April 2016

Source: starrfmonline.com

DCE sues contractor over abandoned GH¢223k project

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The Asuogyaman District Assembly in the Eastern Region has filed a suit at the Koforidua High Court against a contractor who has abandoned post after receiving over GHC111, 000 of the total contract sum.

The contract was awarded by the former DCE for the area, Johnson Ahiakpor on December 14, 2012, and was expected to be executed by the end of 2013, but the contractor abandoned the project after part payment.

The situation has created inconveniences for School pupils and teachers at Anyaase who still study in an unfriendly environment.

The DCE for the area, Thomas Ampem Nyarko after assuming office in 2013 noticed the impasse, but several attempts to get the contractor resume work proved futile leaving him with no option than to use legal means to retrieve the money in other to protect the public purse and ensure value for money.

According to the statement of claim, the Plaintiff is seeking an order by the Court for recovery or Refund of GHC43, 680.12 being overpayment made to the defendant in the Execution of the construction of 6 unit Classroom block with auxiliary facilities at Anyaase.

The plaintiff is also praying the Court to recover interest on the said amount from August 20, 2014, till the date of final payment.

The writ of summons intercepted by Starr FM indicates that the defendant company, MUTMA- INNNA INVESTMENT entered into the agreement with the Asuogyaman District Assembly under the contract sum of GHC223,506.10 in which part payment of GHC111,753.05 was made to the defendant, however, the defendant abandoned the uncompleted project after payment.

All efforts made by the Plaintiff including letters sent to the defendant to return to post has fallen on deaf ear.

In 2014, notices were served on the defendant to go to the site to complete the project, but he refused.

The Plaintiff, therefore, invited experts for valuation of the Project, so far executed by the defendant which revealed that the work done does not consolidate with the part payment of GHC111, 753.05 made to the defendant hence needed to refund GHC43, 680.12 and pay interest for breach of contract.