Accra, Aug. 6, GNA - The Northern Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) cannot trace the Managing Director of KLASS Ghana Limited, a construction firm that was awarded the contract to construct the Tamale Jubilee Park two years ago.

As a result, the Regional Co-ordinating Council, withheld GH¢39,088.00 meant for the final payment of the project in the Tamale Metropolis.

Mr Joseph Dasana, Regional Co-ordinating Director, announced this on Thursday when he appeared before a three-member Presidential Inquiry Commission probing activities of the Ghana@50 celebrations.

Mr Dasana said the contractor was yet to construct the media stand, toilets and to fit electrical and water systems at the park. He said they had written several letters to him in connection with the projects, but there had been no reply. The Co-ordinating Director said the region was given GH¢750,000.00 out of which GH¢400,000.00 was meant for the construction of the park and other works.

Mr Dasani said a total of GH¢40,637.00, which was realised from the sale of Ghana@50 anniversary souvenirs had since been lodged in the deposit account of the RCC.

Mr Samuel Nlaari, Chief Director of the Upper East Regional Co-ordinating Council, told the commission that the region exceeded its budget allocation.

He explained that the northern regions were to receive supplementary fund from the Ghana@50 Secretariat under the Price Adjustment for Project Location account, because the regions were paying for building materials higher than those in the Southern sector. Mr Nlaari also attributed the extra expenditure of the region to the purchase of a 33-seater bus to convey the dignitaries who patronised the programme. He said although the region overran its budget, the RCC was able to make some savings from the sale of the anniversary souvenirs which could be used to pay all outstanding bills in respect of the Ghana@50 celebrations.