A dramatic incident unfolded on Sunday at the construction site of an ultra-modern hostel facility at the Asokore SDA College of Education, where a female contractor identified as Madam Akua was caught allegedly looting building materials, including blocks and iron rods.
The contractor reportedly justified her actions by claiming she had not received any mobilization funds for the project since coming on site.
The situation came to light when Hon. Evans Appiah, a renowned contractor and an eyewitness to the incident, narrated the event during an interview with Kwamina Sam Biney on the Bryt Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show.
According to Hon. Appiah, Madam Akua had only a verbal agreement to execute the project and fears the contract may be revoked due to the change of government.
“She claimed she hadn’t received any mobilization funds, but that is entirely false. The contractor has already taken money for the project”, Hon. Appiah alleged during the interview.
He further explained that all materials on the construction site belong to the government, even if a contract is terminated, and that no contractor has the right to take them away for no reason.
Hon. Appiah, a contractor by himself, also lauded the swift intervention of Hon. Samuel Adongo, the NDC Parliamentary Candidate for New Juaben north, who reportedly stopped Madam Akua from making away with the materials.
In his concluding remarks, Hon. Appiah condemned the actions of Madam Akua and urged the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to address what he described as widespread looting activities across the country after defeat to the main opposition NDC.
The incident has sparked public debate about accountability and transparency in government contracts, especially during periods of political transition. Local authorities and stakeholders have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, investigations are expected to continue as the Effiduase police command assess the situation to determine the next step to take.
This development adds to ongoing concerns about the management of state resources and projects, particularly in the construction sector, with stakeholders calling for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent incidents like this in the future.
Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
