Tema, May 18, GNA - Peace Aku Akoto, Managing Director of Smile Image Limited, an advertising and printing company at Tema on Monday appeared before a circuit court in Tema for failing to pay a total of 19,318,024.59 million cedis being social security contributions to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

She pleaded guilty for failing to pay 14,894,219.95 million cedis as workers contributions and a cumulative penalty of 4,423,804.64 million cedis representing three percent.

Peace was granted bail in the sum of 50 million cedis to re-appear on May 20.

Prosecuting, Mr Reuben Konadu, prosecuting officer of the SSNIT told the court, presided over by Mr Charles Asiedu, that the accused person operates an adverting/printing company and registered with the SSNIT.

This compelled her by PNDC law 247 to deduct five percent of workers' salary and add 12.5 percent, making 17 percent to be paid to the SSNIT.

He said an inspection of the company's account showed that between September 2002 and August 2003 the accused had not paid the workers contribution to SSNIT and both verbal and written demand notices were sent to her to pay the amount.

Mr Konadu said when persistent reminders had failed, the accused was summoned to the court but she failed to respond and a bench warrant was issued for her arrest.

Peace however, explained that her failure to pay the workers contribution was the result of the inactivity of the company.