Non-payment of SSNIT contribution, bench warrant for two employers

Tema, April 1, GNA- The Tema circuit court "A" has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of two employers for failing to appear before it to answer charges why they failed to pay the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributions of their employees. Felix Amatey Amarh, proprietor of future Graduates Institute at Teshie failed to pay to SSNIT, 6,5 million cedis, while Harry Acquaye proprietor of New System Preparatory School at Nungua, who owns 17.6 million cedis.

Mr Sam Owusu-Anim, the prosecution officer, the institute and the workers of Mr Amarh are covered under Social Security Pension scheme. He said inspection conducted in the establishment from April 1997 to April 2003 showed that the total amount of 6.5 million representing the contributions of his workers had not been paid to SSNIT.

Mr Owusu-Anim said a demand letter dated May 28, 2003 gave him a date line to settle the amount, but after making two payments of two million cedis in June and 500,000 cedis in July 2003, he was left with a balance of 4.6 cedis, which he has since failed to pay.

In the case of Acquaye, proprietor of New System Preparatory School, Nungua, who is also registered under pension scheme, inspection made in the in the establishment from February 1995 to December 2003 revealed that arrears of 17,6 million cedis being workers contributions for the period had not been paid. Mr Owusu-Anim explained that despite demand letter served on the accused, he has failed to make any payment.