The MP for the North Tongu constituency Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has provided detailed insights into the GHS95 million West Blue judgment debt, shedding light on the developments surrounding the case and raising critical concerns about the actions of key government figures.
This judgment debt has drawn significant attention, especially given its history and the implications for the current administration.
According to Hon. Ablakwa, the case culminated in a consent judgment on July 9, 2024, involving West Blue, the Attorney-General, and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). He asserted that this agreement outlines the payment terms, stipulating that the full amount of GHS95 million should be settled by September 25, 2024, in three tranches over the three months.
Ablakwa’s account reveals that this payment is to be made “net of taxes,” a condition that further complicates the narrative around this debt.
However, Hon. Ablakwa highlighted that what has sparked significant controversy is the conduct of the Attorney-General in this case. He pointed out that the Attorney-General’s actions seem to deviate from the principles outlined by President Akufo-Addo in his last State of the Nation address.
“The Attorney-General has continued, in a very effective manner, the tradition under this administration of contesting every civil litigation against the state, and has avoided the numerous judgment debts that used to be given against the state.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu Constituency
This statement highlights a potential inconsistency in the government’s approach, particularly given the President’s earlier commitment to avoiding such debts.
Ablakwa highlighted the irony in their stance, pointing out that those who previously criticized former President John Mahama for allegedly awarding a bloated contract to West Blue are now asserting that Mahama underpaid the company.
This inconsistency is further underscored by the claim that there was an outstanding amount of GHS21.6 million due to West Blue. Ablakwa expressed his bewilderment at this development, stating:
“It is quite baffling that same NPP political actors who accused former President John Mahama of awarding a bloated contract to West Blue now claim President Mahama did not pay West Blue adequately, and that there was an outstanding claim of some GHS21.6million.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu Constituency
Transparency and Accountability
Ablakwa also provided some context that might offer a small measure of relief. This contradiction raises questions about the consistency and transparency of the NPP’s position on the West Blue contract.
He pointed out that the current settlement of GHS95 million is nearly 50% lower than the GHS187.3 million initially demanded by Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko on behalf of West Blue. This figure was part of the controversial “Kitchen Scandal” exposé from August 2023, which Ablakwa had brought to public attention. Reflecting on this, Ablakwa noted:
“It is instructive to point out that we may at least find consolation in the fact that this GHS95million settlement is almost 50% lower than the GHS187.3million Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko was demanding from the Finance Ministry on behalf of West Blue when I blew the whistle in the Kitchen Scandal exposé of August 01, 2023.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu Constituency
Hon. Ablakwa argued that this reduction, while significant, still leaves the question of why the state agreed to the settlement rather than pursuing a more aggressive defense.
The situation took an interesting turn following the backlash against Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko’s involvement in the affair.
Ablakwa observed that after his parliamentary oversight findings were made public, there was a notable change in the legal representation for West Blue.
“Interestingly, following the public backlash about Prime Minister Gabby’s role in this sordid affair after the publication of my parliamentary oversight findings, I note that a different legal firm, Adjekum & Co PRUC signed the court’s settlement as new lawyers for West Blue.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu Constituency
This change in legal representation suggests a possible attempt to distance the case from the negative publicity surrounding Otchere-Darko’s involvement.
Ablakwa indicated that the NDC caucus in Parliament, under the leadership of Dr. Ato Forson, intends to summon key figures involved in the settlement when Parliament resumes from recess.
“…all the key actors including the Attorney-General, the Finance Minister, and the Commissioner General of the GRA to explain to Parliament and the people of Ghana why they failed to mount a robust defense in court, particularly despite the initial internal resistance of the GRA and the Finance Ministry as confirmed by numerous intercepted memos.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu Constituency
This move signals the NDC’s determination to hold the government accountable and to seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding this judgment debt.
The upcoming parliamentary sessions promise to shed more light on this issue, as the NDC caucus presses for answers and accountability.
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