Attempts to contact the China New Techniques Construction and Investment (CNTCI) Ltd, one of the two entities mentioned as the ?co-lenders? of the $300 million loan to Ghana, has failed to yield results.

Since a local newspaper, ?Palaver?, questioned the credibility of the CNTCI and Chinese New Techniques (CNT) Construction, many radio stations have attempted to reach the telephone numbers of the headquarters of the CNTCI, without success.

Some calls ended up at the wrong destinations and others to unfamiliar places, which have no links whatsoever to the CNTCI.

However, a search of the database for registered companies in the United Kingdom yielded a very disturbing result:

Company Name: CNT CONSTRUCTION INVESTMENT LIMITED
Business Address:
ROOM 2A 2ND FLOOR
CHINA SUPERMARKET
32-34 TUDOR STREET,
RIVER SIDE CARDIFF CF11 6AH
Type: PRIVATE LIMITED
Date of Incorporation/Qualification: 5/27/2003
Registered Office Postcode: CF11 6AH
Postcode Status: ORIGINAL ADDRESS AS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY
Filing Number: 04777833
Accounting Reference Date: 5/31
Accounts Type: TYPE NOT AVAILABLE

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo has defended the credibility of the loan at a press briefing. The minister stated that the ministry had taken note of all the concerns expressed and was working around the clock to ensure that the loan is genuine before the government commits itself to it.