Ex-Ghanair boss snubs auditors

The government’s decision on the beleaguered national carrier-Ghana Airways, is not likely to come any soon. As promised by the government, the outcome of an on-going forensic audit of the operations of the airline would form the basis of its decision.

However, there appears to be a lack of understanding between the firm engaged by the state to conduct the audit and the former Chief Executive of the Airline, Mr E.L. Quartey.

Whereas the firm (name withheld) has requested Mr Quartey to avail himself to assist in finding answers to very important questions in the country, Mr Quartey’s Lawyers both local and foreign have advised him against doing so, and is currently cooling off in London.

The lawyers, Bentsi Enchill, Letsa (BEL) Legal Practitioners and Nortary Public in Accra in a letter copied to the Minister of Roads and Transport stated that their client would not be guaranteed safety, fairness and objectivity when comes to Ghana to meet the Audit Consultants.

In another letter, his lawyer in London, Kisheon de Reya has written to the Consultants and copied his (Mr Quartey’s) local legal representatives BEL, in a leteer dated 6 September, 2002 stated in part that “our client’s willingness and eagerness to co-operate with you has always been stressed.

“However, in view of Mr Quartey’s present family circumstances, the unfair and malicious press he has been subjected to which through Bentsi Enchill is being rectified and inability to visit Ghana at present, we have consistently advised Quartey to meet your team in the UK,” it stated.

The letter stated further that he (Mr Quartey) was offered the option to attend the meeting with the forensic team in London. Consequently, to ensure that the meeting was as productive as possible, Bentsi Enchill requested on his (Mr Quartey) behalf that he should be provided with a list of detailed questions which “your firm intended to ask our client”

It said, “Accordingly for the record, it is on our advice that Mr Quartey has acted rather than it being portrayed that he is making any unreasonable demands”. However, a source close to government said there was no way it could meet the demands of Mr Quartey for the audit team to meet him in London. The source said that since Mr Quartey is a Ghanaian and he, being the former Chief Executive of the National carrier should be able to come to Ghana for the interview.

“Evening News” has found out that in another letter written by Mr Quartey’s local legal representatives on 9th September, 2002, and copied to the Minister of Transport, the forensic Audit team stated among others that “our client is as anxious as we trust you also are to proceed with these meeting in UK, we would be very grateful if the detailed questions are forwarded to us”.

As things stand now, it seems unlikely that the stand of the two parties, namely the Forensic Audit Consulting firm and Mr Quartey’s legal Advisers would shift their positions sooner.

The Auditors have indicated that it would be burdensome to move the pile of files and documents from Ghana with the sole aim of meeting with Mr Quartey. Besides, the team also wishes to have confrontational opportunity where former and present officials of the Airline would be present to set the records straight in the presence of Mr Quartey in order to avoid a back-and-forth expensive exercise.

Ghanaians who have followed the affairs of Ghana Airways and are waiting the government’s decision, are still very much expectant. The Minister of Roads and Transport, Dr Richard Anane could not be reached for his comments.