General News of Saturday, 26 October 2019

Source: Groupe Nduom

Nduom’s case against contractors, government: AG, others, submit to court’s jurisdiction

Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom

Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom’s Groupe Nduom case against some road contractors is making strides in court as the Attorney General, Finance and Road Ministry, finally submit to the court’s jurisdiction.

Ghana Growth Fund Company Limited (GGFC), a subsidiary of Groupe Nduom, issued a writ claiming jointly or severally against the Attorney General’s Office (AG), Finance Ministry, Road Ministry and Reggio Limited (one of the contractors) for monies owed to it. The monies, according to the writ, are principal and interests on various loan amounts that GGFC had advanced to road construction firms.

According to the writ, the construction firm has assigned the contract sums to GGFC following which the state agencies have made several payments to the company. The state agencies, however, stopped making payments along the way, forcing GGFC to issue a writ to enforce the payments.

The AG filed an application arguing that the State agencies have no payments obligations towards GGFC since they are not parties to the loan agreement. However, the AG’s application, which was opposed by lawyers for GGFC was struck out by the court with cost. The AG will have to file a defence to the action.

The case was filed at the Commercial Court 1 and presided over by Justice Samuel Asiedu.