SSNIT

Tema, Oct. 21, GNA- The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), on Thursday instituted criminal action against Managing Directors of three institutions at Tema Circuit court "A" for failing to pay workers contributions to SSNIT.

The three are Samuel Kumako of Brother Sam Preparatory School, Mrs Margaret Blavo, of J.M. Products Ghana Ltd and Mike Annan of Ultimate STAR Company Ltd.

Kumako failed to pay 7,056,334.38 between January 2002 and June 2004. He has however paid two million cedis leaving 5,056,334.38, while Mrs Blavo defaulted 71,515,353 cedis between November 2003 and July 2004.

They all pleaded not guilty and were each granted bail in the sum of 50 million cedis and 100 million cedis respectively with one surety each to re-appear on November 23, this year.

A bench warrant was issued for the arrest of Mr Mike Annan who failed to appear before the court.

Counsel for the Tema Community two branch of SSNIT, Mr Emmanuel Baidoo told the court that officials from SSNIT during inspection found that the accused persons had not paid their workers contributions between for 2003 and 2004.

He said they were notified and given the opportunity to negotiate with SSNIT either to pay by instalment or in full but they refused to show up.

They were then served with summons to appear before the court, Mr Baidoo added.

Earlier counsel for Mrs Blavo had argued that the exact amount was not communicated to his client and that SSNIT should have sued the company and not Madam Blavo.