The Member of Parliament for Adaklu, Kwame Governs Agbodza has condemned the Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) over the procurement and the cost of the Christmas trees that were mounted at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) last year.

Mr. Agbodza who is a member of the Transport Committee of Parliament averred that it is not the duty of boards to make procurements like the GACL board did with regards to the purchasing of the Christmas trees for the festive season.

“Boards don’t do procurements, it’s a function of management. The Board chair also said they invited quotations from two suppliers. That process is alien to the Public Procurement Act. He got it totally wrong. Boards should not be doing direct procurements.”
Kwame Governs Agbodza

Mr Agbodza further lamented about how the Ghana Airport Company lost GHS1.4million in a week due to Emirates flight ban and at the same time, the Board Chairman is admitting to have spent GHS 84,000 on Christmas Trees and other decorations.

“Boards are not procurement entities. Who invited the so-called companies who supplied the item? Where is the letter inviting them? Who signed it? How come the invoice was made attention to Paul Adom Otchere? Has he taken over the day to day management of the Company which is seriously struggling?”
Kwame Governs Agbodza

Following the criticisms against the cost of the Christmas trees mounted at KIA, Board Chairman of GACL, Mr Paul Adom Otchere, noted in a statement that the GACL had for many years mounted Christmas inspirations around the terminal area to create a festive atmosphere for passengers and their families coming into the country.

Total expenditure lowest since 2016

Touching on the total expenditure of the project in 2021, Mr Adom Otchere averred it was the lowest since 2016. He indicated that two separate suppliers were invited to submit bids and the bids were discussed and discounts were obtained.

“We are grateful to Jandel Limited and Favors and Arts. The beautiful Christmas tree standing at Terminal 3 and 3 others altogether cost GHC 34,000, which was graciously provided by Jandel Limited at a heavy discount”.
Paul Adom Otchere

According to him, the other inspirations were provided by Favors and Arts and the total cost of all the decorations amounted to GHC 84,000 out of which GHC 50,000 was obtained via sponsorship.

The GACL Board Chairman then indicated that all salaries and bonuses due staff for December have been paid.

Mr. Adom Otchere intimated that it is ridiculous for anyone to say that the invoices from these two reputable companies were issued in the name of the Board Chairman. This, he posited, means the author of such spurious allegations has insufficient acquaintance with corporate workings.

“We will like to urge the general public to disregard these unfounded allegations. The GACL has a fully operational corporate affairs department that is able to attend to all public enquiries”.
Paul Adom Otchere

Mr Otchere assured the general public that GACL is fiercely committed to support the Minister of Transport to achieve President Akufo-Addo’s vision for the airport.

“The vision contained in clear directions is to make all Ghana airports an important symbol for our national development agenda. That is our focus for which we require prayers and support”.
Paul Adom Otchere