GWCL threatens legal action over allegations against board chair Afenyo-Markin

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has threatened to go to court over allegations of contract breaches leveled against its board chairman, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

A private citizen, Alhassan Salifu Bawa, petitioned the Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, to investigate and prosecute Mr. Afenyo-Markin for his involvement in awarding a contract to Intermec Ghana Limited without due process.

Mr. Bawa alleged the Company got the contract to provide and install transport pumps and other equipment for the GWCL because Mr. Afenyo Markin received a car gift from the company, but the management of the GWCL has denied the allegation.

In a statement from the GWCL, they noted the allegations against their board chairman are unfounded, and that the contract was awarded after the right procurement procedures were followed.

“It is to be explicitly and categorically stated that there has neither been any breaches nor infractions at all since GWCL has been dutiful in upholding and adhering strictly according to the laws of the Republic, in its procurement process.

“The procurement issue in question, that is, ‘Supply and Installation of Transport pump, control Panel and additional items for Takoradi Pump House at Inchaban Treatment Plant’, was procured through single sourcing and the justification for that option is in line with Section 40 of Act 663.”

The GWCL further explained the contract in question was awarded at a time board chairman Alexander Afenyo-Markin was yet to be appointed for the position.

According to the Ghana Water Company Limited, the contract was approved by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) in October, 2016.

“Considering the fact that the current chairman of the Board was appointed into office on 7th September 2017, it makes it inconceivable that Mr. Afenyo-Markin is accused of breaches of the law in this regard.”

The GWCL also said Mr. Bawa is only seeking to target the company, and not Mr. Afenyo-Markin as it may seem, and that it is ready to sue the petitioner if he continues with the unfounded allegations.

“Management of GWCL remain willing to subject itself to all investigations instituted either by the Special Prosecutor or any other investigative agency into these issues.

“The Management of the Ghana Water Company Limited further cautions Mr. Alhassan Salifu Bawa and his cohorts to desist from dragging the hard-earned reputation of the company through the mud. Management will not hesitate to seek legal redress if due diligence is not conducted into allegations which it is a subject of,before publication.”