VRA Internal Auditor to testify in 2.2 billion suit

Accra, March 3, GNA - Mr. Francis K. Yeboah, counsel for the Volta River Authority (VRA), on Monday told an Accra High Court that they intend inviting the Internal Auditor of the Authority to testify on the separation benefits for Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobbey, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VRA.

Mr. Yeboah said the Internal Auditor was in a better position to answer pertinent questions compared to other witnesses who were not involved in the computation of the former CEO's entitlements. Dr. Wereko-Brobbey has sued VRA at an Accra Fast Truck High Court demanding 2.2 billion cedis as his entitlement.

Mr. Joseph Nii Torgbor Annan, a Human Resource Officer of the VRA, who continued with his evidence on Monday, told the court that Mr Emmanuel Dokyi, a former CEO of VRA, did not retire from the Authority as he claims but his appointment was terminated.

Mr. Annan, who is also representing the Chief Executive of the Authority in the matter, said the VRA's policies did not allow its former CEOs to retire with their official vehicle. However, Mr Akoto Ampaw, counsel for Dr Wereko-Brobbey, was able to prove otherwise. Mr. Akoto Ampaw said Mr Dokyi, as part of his retirement benefits, was allowed to take along his 90,000-dollar BMW 540i, which was less than four years old, while the plaintiff was permitted to take away his 35,000-dollar Volvo car.

He suggested in further cross-examination of Mr Annan that it was not true that former CEOs of VRA did not overstay their six-month grace period after retirement in the official residence.

He said records at the VRA indicated that former CEOs had stayed for more than six months and so the claim by defence for Dr Wereko-Brobbey to pay nine months arrears was contrary to the official position of VRA.

Mr Annan maintained his position and said by stretching the arguments put forward by Mr Akoto Ampaw then some of the decisions of the VRA Board would lead to absurdities.

Dr Wereko-Brobbey separated from the VRA on September 17, 2003 but it took the VRA considerable time, amid demands from him, before the VRA eventually wrote to him on April 1, 2004 to formally notify him of his separation entitlement.

He is demanding cash equivalent of 43 days earned leave up to the time of the resignation totalling 61 million cedis, six months salary in the sum of 187 million cedis, and a gratuity of five years salary of 1.8 billion cedis as well as the cedi equivalent of his fuel allocation from March 31, 2004.

He is also calling for the transfer of ownership of the saloon car, which is in his possession.

Dr Wereko-Brobbey was appointed CEO of VRA on August 24, 2001. He officially assumed office in September that year but resigned on September 17, 2003.

The case has been adjourned to March 12.