AG seeks review of State Property and Contracts Act

The Attorney General has sought a review of the State Property and Contracts Act (1960) to help the country avoid the wrongful payment of judgment debts.

The review is in response to President Mahama's call on the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Marietta Brew Appiah Oppong, to come up with reforms to mitigate the payment of huge judgement debts by the state.

According to Deputy Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, one of the measures being adopted by the Attorney General's Department to mitigate payment of judgement debts is a review of the State Property and Contracts Act to guide government agencies to properly scrutinise international contracts.

Mr Ayine said it is important for Parliament to approve international businesses or economic contracts which government enters into.

He cited the Waterville case as an example of a problematic contract which almost cost the state millions in judgement debts.

The State Property and Contracts Act, among other things, stipulates guidelines for state agencies to enter into contracts on behalf of Government and gives authority to them to acquire and vest property.