The Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Mr Paul Adom Otchere, has said an allegation that he signed for the purchase of overpriced Christmas trees at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) is mere propaganda.
According to the controversial media practitioner, the GACL purchased the four Christmas trees for GHS34,000, and not GHS84000 as has been alleged on social media.
He explained further: "The other inspirations were provided by Favors and Arts for a total cost of GHC 84,000 out of which GHC 50,000 was obtained via sponsorship."
He stated the following in his statement on Facebook:
The Ghana Airports Company Limited has for many years mounted Christmas inspirations around the terminal area to create a festive atmosphere for passengers and their families coming into the country.
The total expenditure of 2021 is the lowest since 2016.
Two separate suppliers were invited to submit bids. The bids were discussed and discounts obtained. ( We are grateful to Jandel Limited and Favors and Arts )
The beautiful Christmas tree standing at Terminal 3 and 3 others altogether cost GHC 34,000, which was graciously provided by Jandel Limited at a heavy discount. (We thank Jandel Limited)
The other inspirations were provided by Favors and Arts for a total cost of GHC 84,000 out of which GHC 50,000 was obtained via sponsorship.
He added that: "It is ridiculous for anyone to say that the invoices from these two reputable companies were issued in the name of the Board Chairman, that just means the author of such spurious allegations has insufficient acquaintance with corporate workings."
Below is his full response
Dear folks, my attention has been drawn to a social media post (herein attached ) grossly misrepresenting facts about Christmas inspirations that were mounted at the Kotoka International Airport.
Here are the facts:
FACT: The Ghana Airports Company Limited has for many years mounted Christmas inspirations around the terminal area to create a festive atmosphere for passengers and their families coming into the country.
FACT: The total expenditure of 2021 is the lowest since 2016.
FACT: Two separate suppliers were invited to submit bids. The bids were discussed and discounts obtained. ( We are grateful to Jandel Limited and Favors and Arts )
FACT: The beautiful Christmas tree standing at Terminal 3 and 3 others altogether cost GHC 34,000, which was graciously provided by Jandel Limited at a heavy discount. (We thank Jandel Limited)
FACT: The other inspirations were provided by Favors and Arts for a total cost of GHC 84,000 out of which GHC 50,000 was obtained via sponsorship.
FACT: All salaries and or bonuses due staff for December have been paid.
It is ridiculous for anyone to say that the invoices from these two reputable companies were issued in the name of the Board Chairman, that just means the author of such spurious allegations has insufficient acquaintance with corporate workings.
We will like to urge the general public to disregard these unfounded allegations. The GACL has a fully operational corporate affairs department that is able to attend to all public enquiries.
We will like to assure the general public that we are fiercely committed to support the Hon Minister of Transport to achieve President Akufo-Addo’s vision for the airport, the vision contained in clear directions is to “make all Ghana airports an important symbol for our national development agenda”.
That is our focus for which we require prayers and support . Amen